Just bought my Z06 with the Z07 suspension (less than 500 miles). I noticed a gas smell in the garage a couple of days ago and realized the check engine light was on. I called on-star and they said I have a P0442 code (evaporative emission system issue). They suggested I give it a few days because it was probably some bad gas or a gas cap issue ( wouldn't that be great if that was the issue?), and fill it up. So, that is what I did, hoping the issue would resolve itself and the check engine light would cycle off in a few days.

I drove the car the next day and noticed a little gas under the car (almost directly behind the driver side, and straight back from the gas opening, after I spelled the gas again. I could actually see the gas dripping, but after a while (about 4 hours), it stopped dripping. I pulled the car into the garage and there was no more gas leak when I checked the following morning. I thought all was well

I took the car out again today and put about 80 miles on it (trying to hit the 500 mile mark), returned and parked the car in the garage and just noticed the smell again. Sure enough, more gas had dripped again in the same place. Although, I think it has stopped dripping now, I'm pretty sure it will not drip anymore tonight.

I will plan on bringing it to the dealer this week but had a question I'd like to ask the more technically oriented, just to put my mind at ease (hopefully).

Is it possible the system is going through some kind of test, putting pressure on the system to check it. And in the process, is pushing some gas out of something that only holds a little bit of gas and might have a leak, or relief valve, or even maybe just needs to be tightened or secured? Or would you suspect a more serious problem requiring major work?

Thanks for any ideas you have?

Thanks,
Wade

 

My guess is that there is a slight leak from either a fitting not fully tightened, something cross threaded or a bad fitting. The system creates pressure when it is running. There would be residual pressure in the system when you turn it off and would leak until the pressure reduced enough that the pressure was reduced.

Doesnt sound like the end of the world.,.,,..,,.unless that leak is near the cats or someother exhaust pipe....I would get it in ASAP.....leaking gas is never good.

 

Do you know if it is easy for the dealer to access these components? Or, do you think they have to drop the tranny or anything like that? Thanks for the reply.

 

depends where the leak is coming from......

 

If that leak happens to hit something hot, you and your insurance company will be unhappy. Do you have your tow hook yet? Apparently a knowledgeable flatbed driver can hook the car up from either side. But I would in an abundance of caution have it towed to the dealer.

 

 

keep it outside until it goes to dealer.

 

I was just going to suggest that---thank you.

 

Mine had a similar problem. Some gas on the ground after a fill up and the smell. The filler neck attaches to a hose to the tank. There is also a small diameter hose that is part of the return system for emissions. If any connections are loose or the neck has been twisted, a leak can occur.

Definitely a warranty issue and any competent chevy tech should be able to fix. Your next stop should be at the dealer.

 

do not leave a car leaking gas inside your garage.very dangerous for you and family.

 

100% this and also please get the car flat bedded into the dealer. Do not drive it! Gas vapor does not need to hit extremely hot exhaust to have a flash fire.

Heat can cause a fire....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSICMPvs220

 

Check the general c7 section. The leaking fuel pump seal has caused a national back order in parts apparently.