fuel leak

[dwalmop]

My girlfriend has a 99 3.1L, whenever the tank is full, there is a very strong smell of gasoline, but there is no fuel leaking on the ground. I've tried to fill it up and check for leaks a few times, and no gas seems to be leaking onto the ground. Where can these fumes be coming from if no liquid seems to be leaking out? It only happens when the tank is full. After you use a gallon or 2 of gas it doesn't smell anymore. Any thoughts?

[Negatoro]

The only time I smelled gas in my Malibu was when I had an empty can in the back seat and I fill 'er up a half gallon after the pump cuts off.

Even just a teeny leak can cause a strong odor. -or- gas on your hand -or- spilling gas on the side of the car.

Next time you fill up and smell gas, first leave the gas station. If you still smell it, go park the car, then try to figure out where it might be coming from.

Get down and smell under the car between the rear wheels [passenger side]
-This is where the fill neck travels to the tank, and location of the fuel filter[center of rear subframe directly behind tank]
-It could be the filler neck leaking untill fuel level drops down inside the tank.

Go to the driver's side along the rocker panel and sniff the fuel lines.

Pop the hood and sniff the rails.

Just try to narrow it down.

[bcopeland]

Or it can be the charcoal canister.

[Negatoro]