Fuel smell after fill-up

[josephvman]

I've just refilled and accidentally topped-off the fuel in my '84 Targa, causing some gas to spill out around the filler. After a few days and around 30 miles there's still a pretty strong fuel smell coming from the front area. Fuel lines are new Griffiths hoses replaced last year and no signs of leaks anywhere. I did notice my fuel cap doesn't feel particularly tight, so I'm wondering if it's passing vapor through the filler area with the very full tank. I've ordered a new fuel cap. Thoughts?

[GH85Carrera]

There is a small plastic "tank" in the trunk connected to the filler overflow. If the gas burped over from overfilling that little tank can get some liquid in it, and it takes a while to all evaporate. The smell can last for a few months. If you park inside, open the trunk and let it air out.

Look around for any signs of wetness on all the fuel connections on the outside and inside of the trunk with the mat pulled back from around the fuse box.

[josephvman]

Thanks Glen! I'll check that!

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

The small tank is the most likely culprit. Not sure if cars as new as yours have a charcoal canister or not but if they do, and if you top off frequently the canister can become saturated and ruined. When this happens the fuel odor is almost unbearable.

[josephvman]

Just to revisit this thread, yesterday I filled up but didn't top it off after the nozzle shutoff. Strong fuel smell again. I checked under the trunk carpet, the lines to and from the white overflow tank; tank appears empty, lines were and in good shape, and everything was dry with no signs of leaking. I also installed a new fuel cap. I'll check again tonight to see if it still smells strongly.

[proporsche]

also check you fuel sending unit under the carpet..if it is not leaking there-next to your spare tire

Ivan

[Brtuffli]

I too, had a strong fuel smell after each fill up. Happened if i over filled or just filled it up completely. One time when finished filling up, i pulled the nozzle out of the car and the little ring inside the filler neck dislodged and shifted. I noticed this when I went to replace the filler cap. It wouldn’t go deep enough to engage the threads on the cap. The little ring that was originally welded in had somehow moved and created a rip in the filler tube. That is how i was getting a fuel smell. The rip must have been there for a bit and got worse after this fill up. I replaced the filler tube and no more gas smell.

[fiminod]

Same issue here. Replaced the cork gasket for the fuel sender. Filled her up and no more fuel odor.

[theiceman]

take front drivers wheel off there is a vapour tank up there behind headlight bucket. . bet lines to it are leaking..

[Schulisco]

I want to emphasize another more and more often issue coming along as the cars are getting older: The rubber hoses near the fuel pump underneath the tank! Often smells it of fuel (not only after filling up!), especially in the garage...
Then the fuel drops onto the protectiive plate of the front axle and is not visible on the garage floor...and of course also all rubber hoses close to the engine are suspicious the older they are...

Regards, Thomas

[tops911]

My issue was the hoses attached to the small tank were cracked and allowing the fuel smell. I replaced all the hoses and the smell went away