Gas Fume Smell

[MandaCHase]

Hi everyone ~

I'm clueless and back again, because I've been burned by nearly 4 mechanics in this area already, all giving me different ideas on what's wrong with my car - I'm very hesitant to take it back in the shoppe again unless absolutely nessacary.

I started smelling a strong odor of gas while standing outside of my car about 4 days ago - my gas cap is on the driver's side and that's where I always smell it when getting into the car, I checked the cap and it's on tightly. I've placed cardboard all around under the car (note I'm not mechanic worth here ppl ) seeking leaks, checked the gas gauge for movement and nothing.
So I'm at a bit of a loss....
It's SUPER strong today.. haha. I don't know if it's just me or what.. and when I was idling waiting for my son all I smelled inside the car was gas.. it was so bad I had to get out.

The neighbors must think I'm crazy because everyday I've been practically crawling under the car just waiting to see something.. But I haven't seen anything on the cardboard.

Any ideas on maybe what this *MIGHT* be? What I Could check out?
1995 Cutlass Supreme Convertiable v6 3.4L

Thanks SO Much.

[GTP Dad]

With the car totally cold open the hood and start the engine. Look at all the connections leading to the fuel rail on your car. I suspect you have a leak in one of the connectors on the fuel lines under the hood. Since gas fumes can travel a long way I really don't think the problem is at the gas filler cap but rather at one of the connections either in the engine compartment or at the fuel filter or fuel pump.

When you look at the car when it is cold you may actually see the fuel dripping. If you find a leak get it fixed immediately as it could cause a fire. You may want to look at the area around the fuel filter and the fuel pump as well doing it while the car is cold. I don't know if you will find it or not but at least it doesn't cost anything to try.

Good Luck!

[nifib]

inspect fuel injector, make sure connections are good. inspect filter for leaking fuel filter or fuel filter connection, inspect fuel tank for punctured or damage which I really doubt its the tank because you said no leaks. Try it its probably one of those. parts may even need replacement.

[MandaCHase]

Great thanks for the input guys I appreciate it... =0)

[MandaCHase]

Just wanted to note that I fixed the probelm... the seal at the top was rusted - for some odd reason though it was only leaking when I was parked on a hill or if the car was tilted to the back. I had him check my lines & sending unit as well and he said those are fine. They replaced the tank - is there anything else I should have checked pertianing to the gas leak or fuel in general?

[GTP Dad]

Not really but you may want to change the fuel filter if it wasn't changed recently. Just a maintenance item.