Gas leak
There is a gas leak coming from the back passenger's side of the car.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If the vehicle is leaking fuel, I would stop driving it immediately, and have it serviced as soon as possible. Gasoline is highly flammable, and therefore it is not safe to drive a vehicle that is leaking fuel. I would recommend having the vehicle inspected by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, in order to determine the exact location of the leak.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
In modern vehicles, the most common causes for fuel leaks are the fuel lines and their fitting which may be damaged or crack due to normal wear and tear. Fuel tank leaks are also common since they can be damaged or begin to corrode. The fuel injection system could be a source of fuel leaks as well.
According to eHow, fuel lines can develop leaks over time because they are prone to rub against metal under your vehicle. Mechanics stress that fuel lines need to be replaced in full and that damaged sections of the line cannot solely be repaired.
The carburettor is the most common source of leaks, so start looking there. The fault could be the carburettor flooding , rather than a leak. Look at the joint between the fuel line and the carburettor, and then check other joints, working all the way back to the tank.
Most leaks occur at utility pipelines, but leaks occasionally happen in residential areas, including in-home leaks. The best thing you can do to keep your home safe from in-home leaks is to maintain your gas-powered appliances well and call for repairs right away.
For a simple but efficient fix, cover the leak with epoxy putty. If you`re looking for something stronger and more permanent, you could weld the leak shut. Welding requires you to drain the tank and clear it completely of fumes.
Some fuel leaks happen because of a small hole in the fuel tank. If this happens, a mechanic can repair the hole without having to replace the entire tank. This is a pretty straightforward fix that is both safe and affordable.
Just because there are no obvious signs of a fuel leak doesn`t mean there is not one. In this particular case, if you have checked all the fittings along the gas line and found them to be tight, the problem could be in the fuel pump.
Leaking fuel can be extremely hazardous if not dealt with right away. To detect a gas leak in your car, look for signs like the smell of gasoline in your cabin, a substantial drop on your fuel gauge, or a gas puddle underneath your vehicle.
Acceptable Gas Line Pressure Drop
Typically, if the gas line loses approximately 2 psi from a test of 20 psi on the line, the lines are acceptable. Conversely, if the line loses more than 10% of the pressure, it may have a leak. This can be true after a 30 minute or even a 24 hour test.
Over a period of time, gas pipes can warp, bend, or break. Exposure and use corrodes old gas lines, wearing away at the outer material until hairline fractures form. As they age, home supply lines may come partially unseated from appliances, causing leaks.
Fuel Leak Classification
Four basic classifications are used to describe aircraft fuel leaks: stain, seep, heavy seep, and running leak.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My car been leaking gas my tank is on my passenger side but gas leaking on my driver side
ANSWER : Leaking gasoline is a fire/explosion hazard so be sure to have this leak repaired at your earliest convenience. In the meantime, be sure not to park in a confined space, such as a garage, because gasoline vapors could accumulate and explode if there is an ignition source. Undercar fuel leaks are often caused by corroded, perforated steel tubing, joint leaks at the fuel filter, or rubber hose connections. Sometimes fuel pipes can get damaged by collisions with debris on the roadway. Whether the leak is in the steel supply and return lines, rubber hoses, or even the gas tank, it will be repairable. If you desire a repair of the leak by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a fuel leak inspection and diagnostic – tubing and tank and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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What’s going on when gas is constantly slowly leaking from where the gas cap is and the cap was not under pressure when opening?
ANSWER : It is possible the tank was filled too much, that is the gas pump did not shut down when it should. Even if gasoline was not filled right to the top, thermal expansion can later cause the gas to overflow if the tank gets warmer and pressure builds. The too high level will subside quickly as all you have to do is drive 25 miles or so to lose a gallon. If you believe there is a leak or other issue, a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic can perform a leak inspection during a mobile visit.
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Gas leak near OTC
ANSWER : Hello. If the leak occurred right when the noise occurred, then it is usually caused by a fracture in the fuel pump outlet. This commonly occurs on fuel pumps over time. The outlet fractures and the pressure makes it way out of the line. The tank will need to be lowered from the vehicle to inspect it. If you need to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair the leak.
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My suburban has a gas leak but only leaks when someone turns the key on, other then that it doesn’t leak at all. What could this b
ANSWER : The reason it leaks is the fuel pump is under pressure when you turn on the key and will pump the fuel out of where ever it is leaking. Do not drive it till the leak is found and fixed. If you need help with this, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to detect the leak and make an appropriate repair.
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Fuel EVAP line that runs under car is kinked how do I know if it is leaking? Also can I drive it like that if it’s not leaking?
ANSWER : Hi Ricardo. We answered your question earlier. However, if you didn’t receive the reply, here is what we stated earlier. In most cases, an EVAP leak will create an OBD-II trouble code. The best way to detect an EVAP leak is by having a professional mobile mechanic complete a check engine light inspection, they will be able to download the code and determine the source of the leak. That’s the best advice we can offer you. Thanks.
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Punctured a Hole In the Material Around the Gas Cap
ANSWER : You should have a mechanic like one from YourMechanic inspect damages and needed repairs to the fuel fill neck. The fuel inlet will need to be replaced if it is leaking any fumes. The leak will also cause the computer to store codes for the leak. You may need to have the entire fuel fill neck replaced and the computer scanned then any codes cleared.
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The car smells of gas, probably has a leak
ANSWER : When an air conditioning refrigerant leak is being detected, a mechanic will often use an electronic leak detector that is specifically designed to ’sniff’ for a specific refrigerant. These electronic leak detectors are also made to detect fuel leaks. I would recommend locating a mechanic that owns one of these electronic leak detectors and enlisting their assistance in inspecting an oil/fluid leak. This would be the best chance at finding the leak considering that is is not large enough to be seen by multiple people.
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A shop in another state replaced leaking gas tank from a junkyard and it cost me $800. I’m still having issues.
ANSWER : Hi there. The issue could be the vent valve on the fuel tank. The valve is designed to let out air but not fuel. The hose to the valve could have came off and caused the valve to crack or become damaged. Also, if your fuel tank has only one strap on it, it is possible that the fuel filler neck is coming apart causing the fuel to drip out due to the fuel tank being at a strange angle. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you repair the fuel tank and any hoses that may be cracked or split.
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