Gas smell in pass. compartment

[russde]

Recently noticed a gas smell in the passenger compartment after I fill the tank. It has happened a few times and at first I thought maybe I stepped in gas or spilled some on my clothes.......

But last night I filled up and then went into a grocery store for about 15 min., when I got back in the car I immediately noticed the smell.

Now, I need to change the fuel filter anyway and will obviously check out all the lines in the rear and coming forward but was wondering if there is a known pattern I should look for? You know, something that always leaks on SVO's?

Thanks for listening,
Russ
'86 9L
San Antonio

[SVOPaul]

There are going to be a number of things you need to check...first the easy ones. Fill the tank and check the seam around the tanks halfway point, I have seen these develop a leak a few times. Secondly, check under the rear bumper cover to make sure the drain tube from the fill area is still outside the car, while you are under there check the gasket around the fill tube where it goes into the tank. If everything looks good then you may need to drop the tank and check the vent and other areas on top of the tank to make sure you do not have a leak there.....

[svono50]

Russ, Another "easy" check is the vent line from the tank to the charcoal canister. It has sections of plastic that can get damaged/smashed/cracked over time. Easiest way to trace it is start at the charcoal canister and work your way back. Just one more thing before dropping your tank. Good luck.