I have a 97 F-150 4.6L/Auto with 98,XXX miles on the clock. Occasionally while driving I will smell raw gas, which is obviously not a good thing. I recieved a recall notice back in 2000/early 2001 timeframe due to a potential fuel line problem. I took it to the dealership and they said it was good to go, thanks for bringing it in. Where and what should I look for to determine if I have a leak? FWIW no warning lights are on. TIA

 

Does this smell coenside with a gas fill up? If so check your shoes for spilled gas. When you step in it, it remains on the shoes for a short time. If not check the entire fuel system for leaks.

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Sometimes this is a symptom of a clogged/bad charcoal canister.

 

Another thing to consider is has the fuel filter been recently replaced? Maybe there is a leak there.

 

fuel pressure regulator.

 

I used to get that smell sometimes. But, it seemed like it only happened after I lost an o-ring to the ruel rail when I took it off, and completely soaked my engine with gas. It doesn't smell anymore though.

You didn't happen to spill a bunch somewhere did you?

 

Sorry for not responding sooner, I was out of town. No I hadn't filled up recently so I doubt the spilled gas on shoes situation. I can usually tell if it's on my hands/feet anyway. The fuel filter was changed at ~55-60K? Somewhere in there. To the best of my knowledge the fuel rails haven't been tampered with. The smell is of raw gas, not quite like following an old car that'r running rich.

How do I check the charcoal canister? Too bad I can't drive this puppy the 8-9 miles to the Ford plant and have them hook it up! That would be SCHWEET! Thanks for the help guys.