Fuel Smell After Fueling

[100Wrench]

Good Morning All,

I have a 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser with 160k miles. After I fuel, I smell fuel outside of the vehicle. It hasn't been smelt in the vehicle like some other threads. I also don't believe it is pressurized or hot. I first noticed it when fueling from 1/4 of tank to full, and less so when fueling from 1/2 of a tank to full. It does not drip fluid under the vehicle, but I noticed the fuel tank shield was rusted with a hole in it, and the tank looks wet, but is not wet. I am thinking maybe it is fuel vapor that is escaping somewhere. I have done as much digging as I can and I think it is either 77012A, 77201A, 77204A, and/or 77209D, but I do not have eyes on confirmation. That area is difficult to work around and I am not even sure how I would go about replacing them. I am imaging for 77204A and 77209D a tank drop is necessary, but not sure about 77012A and 77201A. I also couldn't find the procedure for a tank drop.

I am going to try the fuel cap, it looks perfectly fine. It is probably original though.

I was hoping maybe some folks here might have some guidance. Thank you!

 

[equals340]

This is a well know issue. Never top off the fuel.

 

[100Wrench]

This is a well know issue. Never top off the fuel.

When you say top off, do you mean the nozzle shuts off and you try to put a little more in? That is something I do NOT do. Or do you mean simply not filling the tank to full (i.e. the nozzle shutting off)?

I understand overfilling the tank can have issues. I think there might a hose issue here.

 

[equals340]

Your problem must be different. I get the smell if I add a little more after the pump shuts off the first time.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Hopefully it’s just a case of an old fuel cap and swapping it with a new one fixes it. If not it’s likely your charcoal canister.

 

[Dparo]

Thread 'Gas tank building excessive pressure & fuel smell. Dangerous for sure! Why does this happen?'

Jun 12, 2020

DANGEROUS GAS PRESSURE BUILD UP IN GAS TANK!
Why?
What's going on?
How can we fix this?

Edited 3/15/25:
Since first posting this thread. I've corrected many boiling fuel. By working in this order:

1. Coolant system if first on the list, must be operating as designed. Which radiator fins cleaning is key.
2. Engine tune, so it's running at peak, is a must.
3. EVAP system must be work as design. Which I find all 03-05 and 70% of the 98-02 boiling fuel, have bad Charcoal canister.
4. Built rigs, especially with belly pans. Are directing heat onto: fuel & EVAP line and onto fuel...

• 2001LC
• Replies: 1,090
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

• 

 

[bpalmer7440]

Mine did this whenever the tank was more than half full. It turned out to be a rusted out seam in the tank. I replaced the tank and no more smell.

 

[100Wrench]

@bpalmer7440 I appreciate the data point. Keeps lending itself to needing to find the actual cause before assuming it is the hoses or something.

@Dparo Thank you! I did read that. I do not think it is the same issue. Not to say the CC isn't saturated. It is original so could be, but pressure isn't building when I take off the fuel cap, engine doesn't run hot, and no fuel smell while driving (no fuel smell in the vehicle at all).

There was a comment on a thread, I can't find it now where the guy mentioned he dropped the fuel tank to swap it but the hoses were cracked, he didn't have any and he smelled fuel after filling up until he replaced the hoses.

 

[baltistyle]

What thing in life does the smell remind you of the most. This will be the most helpful info. If you cant describe it, can someone else help you?

You are not talking about a Sulphur smell correct? Sulphur is related to bad cats, which you may be noticing at fill-up. Toyotas in general have stinky butts but the LC100 is not known for that.

Does this still happen if using a different brand of gas?

If there was a leak, your tank likely would not build pressure.

"Not leaking but wet" means leaking unless you can point to a direct cause such as grease from driveline, fluid film or other.

If you think its related to vapor, you need to check the charcoal canister as mentioned previously, and or the rest of the evap system.

 

[DFXR]

When you say top off, do you mean the nozzle shuts off and you try to put a little more in? That is something I do NOT do. Or do you mean simply not filling the tank to full (i.e. the nozzle shutting off)?

I understand overfilling the tank can have issues. I think there might a hose issue here.

I had a fuel smell issue and went as far as replacing the pump. No change. Then I replaced the cap - from an OK-looking original to brand new. That solved it, for $34. But at least I have a new fuel pump.

 

[2001LC]

Owners Manual should be read, cover to cover at least once. You did do that right!

It has some great PEARLS. One added in 2003-up OM. Is never add more fuel after auto-shut-off of fuel filling pump handle.
Doing so will flood the charcoal canister (CC). Which will result in premature failure.

One sign charcoal canister is statured, is raw fuel smell.
Another is fuel boiling. Especially at high altitude, like in the Rocky Mountain
Some will barely run or stall at stop lights, on a hot day. Especially at high altitude, like in the Rocky Mountains.
Some you can see fuel vapor shadows.
Mucky gas cap area, is a clue, new CC needed.

 

[100Wrench]

@baltistyle @DFXR @2001LC Thank you! I am leaning toward the charcoal canister. I looked at the filler pipe, and the two hoses at the end. Everything looked good. I kind of rolled around underneath and there was some smell near the fuel tank, but the strongest was where the fuel cannister is. I am going to remove the spare tire and take a look. Probably the cannister based on what is said here, but maybe the sub assembly?

I did notice those fuel cap pictures (attached is mine). It kind of looks like it, but it could just be grime. Cap looks good, and rubber feels soft, but I bought another just in case.

In theory the exhaust anywhere could boil the fuel, but I am not getting that or pressurization. I drove for about an hour and opened the gas cap and no hiss. It is winter and cold here now, so could be it, but I think it is a vapor leak somewhere. Usually a clogged charcoal canister helps pressurize it, but maybe there is a hose or something under the spare tire connecting to it that is cracked.

 

[2001LC]

@baltistyle @DFXR @2001LC Thank you! I am leaning toward the charcoal canister. I looked at the filler pipe, and the two hoses at the end. Everything looked good. I kind of rolled around underneath and there was some smell near the fuel tank, but the strongest was where the fuel cannister is. I am going to remove the spare tire and take a look. Probably the cannister based on what is said here, but maybe the sub assembly?

I did notice those fuel cap pictures (attached is mine). It kind of looks like it, but it could just be grime. Cap looks good, and rubber feels soft, but I bought another just in case.

In theory the exhaust anywhere could boil the fuel, but I am not getting that or pressurization. I drove for about an hour and opened the gas cap and no hiss. It is winter and cold here now, so could be it, but I think it is a vapor leak somewhere. Usually a clogged charcoal canister helps pressurize it, but maybe there is a hose or something under the spare tire connecting to it that is cracked.

View attachment 4044941

Mucky, fuel cap area. For sure indicates, you've been blown vapor out gas cap area. I'd replace CC ASAP.

 

[2001LC]

Interest test when old CC out. Weight, compared to new.

 

[100Wrench]

@2001LC I will take a look but I think you are probably right. I will weigh them both when I take it out. 77740 is what I need (I will double check if comes with those clamps and bolts). Any chance there is an issue with 77706 the sub assembly? Seems like this might be the relatively common issue of just the cannister at this point though.

 

[2001LC]

@2001LC I will take a look but I think you are probably right. I will weigh them both when I take it out. 77740 is what I need (I will double check if comes with those clamps and bolts). Any chance there is an issue with 77706 the sub assembly? Seems like this might be the relatively common issue of just the cannister at this point though.
View attachment 4044952

In the 06-07 I get both the CC and sub ASSY (pre filter). 77706 filter & 77740 CC in your diagram, are not part numbers Their only (in this case) prefix of P/N.

Tip: When you get new CC & filter. Look at them. To understand how the red lock clip work (spread). So the you don't break any, during removal.