94 civic hatch, can smell it but can't see from where. this actually happened earlier in the spring then it went away. I didn't fill over 1/2 a tank for a while then filled full and it seemed ok- but now its back. how do i find it?

 

I would start at looking for leaks at the fuel tank.

So when you fill more than a half tank do you notice bad mpg? And the smell? If so, I would def look at your tank.

 

Ignoring a gas leak that "seemed to go away" since spring is probably exactly how the carbecue I saw yesterday started.

 

I did the same thing OP did. Ignored it for atleast 3 months, just got the car and idk but ignoring it seemed like the right thing to do cause I already had a laundry list of repairs I had to do. Let me tell you when I finally looked under the car, I got on my knees and thanked God.

I think it would be appropriate to tell OP dont drive the car until this is fixed.

 

This is the smartest ******* thing I've EVER seen you say on this website.. EVARRRR!

 

ok

 

how do i find it? i put some cardboard under the car last night but I worry it has been so hot I think it is evaporating without dripping.
it is a 94 so I think there will be rust all over. But I seem to remember some funky looking stuff near where the fill hits the tank - is this a common spot?
A friend said it could b a pinhole leak and it "self-healed" when a flake in the tank covered it for a while - possible?? thanks

 

Just jack it up from the back tow hook. And look at your fuel tank, if there is a leak it will be very apparent.

Try to park the car in a garage for a couple hours. If its bad you'll smell it.

 

You can smell it, but are you actually losing gas, or just smelling gas? Is your evap canister still connected? That's the most common cause of a gas smell. Is the CEL on? Does it work?

 

no CEL on, smells strong sometimes

 

So check your evap canister, and make sure that it's still there, and the vacuum lines are properly attached.

 

You could get some UV DYE from auto parts store and put in your gas tank. Drive a few minutes at night. Then with a UV light check all around the fuel tank..lines and engine. That should help. Or it could be burnt oil that u could be smelling...

 

i think i found it: looks like the fill metal pipe and smaller pipe are rusty and look a little weepy wet - what now??!

 

replace it

 

do i need to drain the tank 1st or just run it so its very very empty?
Also: if these pipes are rusty, what should i be checking on the tank to see if it is still ok? thank you!