I smell gas... I think.

[MontanaMan328]

In the past few days, after driving my 2000 Montana from short trips & parking, I've smelled something that seems like gas. I've opened the hood, but I didn't notice anything. Then again, I don't know lick about this sort of thing.

Ideas? Suggestions?

Many thanks!

[GTP Dad]

Check under the hood when the engine is cold and watch for fuel dripping out of the connections to the fuel system. It is possible that there is a loose connection or a bad o-ring in one of the fittings. If you happen to see fuel dripping get it checked by a mechanic.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Check under the hood when the engine is cold and watch for fuel dripping out of the connections to the fuel system. It is possible that there is a loose connection or a bad o-ring in one of the fittings. If you happen to see fuel dripping get it checked by a mechanic.

Had this problem TOO.

It turned out to be a bad o-ring in the forward end of the fuel filter. There are two o-rings in each end of the filter, I think. One had been damaged and a piece cut out (when installed) by a tech during our trip a fews years back.

The filter dripped gas, only when the vehicle was stopped and the pressure slowly bled down in the lines.
.

[hufhouse]

Just to clarify...the fuel filter would be in the BACK of the van on the driver's side near the rear tire. Give that area a good whiff.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by hufhouse

Just to clarify...the fuel filter would be in the BACK of the van on the driver's side near the rear tire. Give that area a good whiff.

Actually on our 1999 the filter is immediately rear of the driver's door on the inside of the frame rail.

I guess the 2000 could be different, I don't know for sure.

[hufhouse]

Originally Posted by 1999montana

Actually on our 1999 the filter is immediately rear of the driver's door on the inside of the frame rail.

I guess the 2000 could be different, I don't know for sure.

Y'know, you might be right. Mine is a 2000, and I've always looked at it from underneath the van, and never actually scoped it out in comparison with the topside!

I guess I just wanted to point MontanaMan328 in the right general direction.

One thing is for sure...it looks like a silver can about the size of a pop can (soda can for some parts of the country...Coke can for others). There is a quick disconnect on both ends and it is very near the side of the van on the driver's side.

Careful dealing with gasoline. Stay away from sparks or anything with an igniter such as a water heater or anything like that. I generally try to do that kind of thing out in the middle of the driveway somewhere.

The fuel filter is pretty straightforward to replace and cheap. If you find a leak there, it would be easy to check everything out and cheap to just get a new one while you are at it...if that's the problem I mean.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by hufhouse

....Careful dealing with gasoline. Stay away from sparks or anything with an igniter such as a water heater or anything like that. I generally try to do that kind of thing out in the middle of the driveway somewhere. The fuel filter is pretty straightforward to replace and cheap....

Agree 100%.

The only things I would add are:

* Try and bleed the fuel system down before you remove the filter.
...(I managed to spray gas all over the place with the residual pressure in the lines.)
* Oh and one other thing, having the new filter in front of you will give you a clue as to how it detaches from the connectors.
...(The connections don't look straightforward, but once you study the new filter you should be able to do this without difficulty.)
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