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Fuel Smell

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Old May 19, 2016 | 05:39 PM
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Default Fuel Smell

Greetings all. Early 03Z, built NOV 02. Has old style fuel system with external filter. Problem is when I refuel there is strong gas smell if car goes straight into the garage. If driven 10 or 15 miles first then smell never occurs. Today I pulled the RR wheel liner and tank support and found tank and support stained from fuel. During my checking of all lines and vents I found a third nipple on top of the RH sending unit with nothing connected to it. The other two lines are secure and dry as expected. What is this for and should there be something there? The book is no help. Thanks in advance.
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Old May 20, 2016 | 09:14 PM
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pic of tank removed clearly shows third attach point.

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Old May 20, 2016 | 09:45 PM
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Old May 21, 2016 | 10:58 PM
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My 2000 has done this about 2003.. Just Don't top it off..
When the pump clicks.. you're done..
Then I get ZERO fuel smell, even in the garage.
Doesn't solve any problem.. but pulling the tanks is a job !
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Old May 31, 2016 | 02:25 PM
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Default thx

Originally Posted by foggy
My 2000 has done this about 2003.. Just Don't top it off..
When the pump clicks.. you're done..
Then I get ZERO fuel smell, even in the garage.
Doesn't solve any problem.. but pulling the tanks is a job !
thx for the reply and the advice. I do not over fill it and am done when the pump clicks off just as you advise. the other thing I do is not stop for gas near home. As I said, it only needs to be driven 15-20 miles and the problem will not occur. I just can't believe that this is "normal" and I'd like to find a true solution rather than compensate for a problem, especially something fuel related.
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Old May 31, 2016 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Brian94
thx for the reply and the advice. I do not over fill it and am done when the pump clicks off just as you advise. the other thing I do is not stop for gas near home. As I said, it only needs to be driven 15-20 miles and the problem will not occur. I just can't believe that this is "normal" and I'd like to find a true solution rather than compensate for a problem, especially something fuel related.
I never fill my tank for a different reason. Twice upon completely filling (to single click max), I got the gas gauge "drop to empty" issue. Never had this otherwise. I know; doesn't help you really, other than maybe some confirmation that these cars often don't like to be filled up to the rim (with Brim? Sorry if you're not old enough for this).
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Old May 31, 2016 | 03:50 PM
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I think it's possible (maybe even probable) that nothing is "connected" there.
I've done some sleuthing, and found several other RH fuel tanks (used, etc) showing the same orientation of fittings, etc as yours.
Upon closer inspection, I see the "nipple" is VERY short, at least as far as any kind of hose or fitting would fit onto it. The way that blue plastic piece is molded, it looks like there's a "brace" (for lack of a better word) up underneath it, as if it's a strengthening rib of some sort.

I can't confirm, but I suspect that may be the outlet (or inlet) for any sort of sudden fuel tank overpressure or vacuum condition.

Another thing I noticed across the board, from examining all the pics I came across, there is a distinct LACK of any witness marks of ANY sort. In fact, a couple of pics I found shows normal dust accumulation to the exact same degree as the whole general area around it.
If anything, I suspect it's a vacuum inlet relief port for air to enter.

HTH
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Old May 31, 2016 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
I think it's possible (maybe even probable) that nothing is "connected" there.
I've done some sleuthing, and found several other RH fuel tanks (used, etc) showing the same orientation of fittings, etc as yours.
Upon closer inspection, I see the "nipple" is VERY short, at least as far as any kind of hose or fitting would fit onto it. The way that blue plastic piece is molded, it looks like there's a "brace" (for lack of a better word) up underneath it, as if it's a strengthening rib of some sort.

I can't confirm, but I suspect that may be the outlet (or inlet) for any sort of sudden fuel tank overpressure or vacuum condition.

Another thing I noticed across the board, from examining all the pics I came across, there is a distinct LACK of any witness marks of ANY sort. In fact, a couple of pics I found shows normal dust accumulation to the exact same degree as the whole general area around it.
If anything, I suspect it's a vacuum inlet relief port for air to enter.

HTH
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