Smell Gas in Engine area..

am I having a gas leak? it started to smell now when ever I turn off the truck you can actually smell it, and sometime there are white smoke coming out from the engine department, any suggestion? oh and is it true that the gas filter will last forever? and is it nessary to replace the fuel pump? and is it located inside the gas tank? thanks!

Check the fuel line pulse damper by the firewall. If you have an older model 4Runner ('90 - '95), it is a known problem. Before you replace anything else, replace the pulse damper and see what happens. May solve any fuel-related problems you are having.

Could be a leaky injector if you have EFI, and NO, a fuel filter doesn't last forever. It must be replaced periodically like everything else.

No, fuel filters don't last forever. I was told at the dealer years ago that the replacement fuel filter for my truck had a lifetime waranty. Check with parts supplier about lifetime replacement warranties.

If you smell gas in the engine bay, it is not likely to be a problem with the filter or the pump. It is a leak.

Check the fuel line pulse damper by the firewall. If you have an older model 4Runner ('90 - '95), it is a known problem. Before you replace anything else, replace the pulse damper and see what happens. May solve any fuel-related problems you are having.

As Brian says, this is a KNOWN problem with the dampeners.
Besides the fuel filter isn't in the engine compartment it is behind the transfer case and the fuel pump is in the fuel tank.
Good luck

Did I miss it when he said what year it is? If so I apologize. I was thinking that if it was an older one with a 22re in it, it may be that regulator at the front of the motor. Those plastic caps that they have over them to hold that little screw in are notorious (in my experience anyways) for falling off. Maybe I'm way off, but that's my experience. I had a similar issue.