Gas leaking from underneath car

Gas leaks out from under the car when I try to start the engine.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. The most common problem for fuel leaking under the car would be the plastic clips that hold the fuel filter to the fuel lines. These clips are small and become worn and break overtime. I would have a technician from YourMechanic come out and replace the fuel filter on the car. The clips that come on the new filters are bigger and should last longer. This will eliminate the possibilities for easy forming leaks in the future.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

A fuel leak is when gasoline leaks from the gas tank of the vehicle. Underneath the car will be a spot of fuel on the pavement, along with the strong smell of gasoline. A fuel leak should not be ignored, so as soon as you notice these signs, it is time to make an appointment with a mechanic right away.
Another top reason for leaks from the carb fuel overflow is a stuck carburetor float. The carb float works to regulate the flow of fuel into the carb bowl through a simple mechanism. But if it gets stuck in an open position, fuel will keep pouring into the bowl to the point it overflows through the fuel overflow.
It`s never safe to drive a car with a fuel leak. Fuel leaks are one of the top causes of vehicle fires. Gas is highly flammable, so it is highly likely that the gas could start a fire, either in the vehicle itself or from the fuel left behind from a leaking vehicle.
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.
Diesel or Petrol Leak

Plan of action: Don`t ignore it! You`ll have to stop driving your vehicle until the leak is fixed as fuel is higly flammable. Take your vehicle to a mechanic and they`ll get you back on the road in no time.

Lining your gas pipes with epoxy will help seal the leaks. Once applied, let the epoxy hold and cure for approximately one hour. The reason you are using epoxy to seal the leaks is to avoid replacing the whole system. However, if you can replace the leaking pipe with a new one, do so to avoid future leaks.
Common signs include reduced engine performance, black smoke coming from the exhaust, backfiring, overheating, or hard starting.
Vacuum leaks can be located with spray carburetor cleaner or a can of WD-40. If the area is obstructed by linkage or hoses, use an extension nozzle to pinpoint the area of the vacuum leak. If the engine speeds up when an area is sprayed, you are close to finding the leak.
Gas Leaks and Punctured Fuel Tanks

One sure way to know that you`ve got a gas leak is if you see black puddles underneath your car. If you do, then it means you`ve got a gas leak, and it needs to be fixed. This could be what will be causing the smell of gas in your car.

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.
Oil Leaking

One of the most common issues your car may experience is an oil leak. If your car has been parked for a while and you notice a dark brown or yellow puddle underneath your car, it could be that the car is leaking oil.

There are some very common causes for that water under your car, including: air conditioning, exhaust, and the windshield washer fluid reservoir. If the puddle under your vehicle is colorless and odorless, there is a good possibility it is just water dripping from your vehicle`s air conditioning system.
Natural gas leaks are rare but can occur in a variety of places, so it is important to be aware of the signs. Because natural gas is colorless and odorless, Unitil adds a harmless, non-toxic chemical that makes it easier to detect a gas leak before it can create a hazardous situation.
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.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

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.

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.

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 there. In most cases, an EVAP leak will create an OBD-II trouble code, which is the best way to detect an EVAP leak. 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. In most cases, it’s an EVAP purge solenoid that is faulty.

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.

Oil leaking from under car and "remote control car" sound when car is first started for a few minutes until it warm up.
ANSWER : Hello,
There are a number of things that could make an engine noisy when starting up. Depending on the specific type of sound you are referring to, this will determine how to properly diagnose. If there is a bit of a hissing sound, this may be a sign of a vacuum leak. If this is more of a shrieking sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or out of adjustment serpentine belt. If there is a bit of a howling or growling sound, this may be a sign of a worn out or low on fluid power steering pump. A rattling or pinging sound may be caused by an ignition problem. An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). A clattering type sound may be a result of improper lubrication in the valve train which could be a more serious problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in proper working order.

My car would not start. The ectricty is good. I put some chemical in the gas and the car start but the engine light still on.
ANSWER : Hi there. When you have an issue with start up that was "resolved" by adding a chemical in the fuel, that leads me to believe that either you have a fuel delivery problem (caused by a dirty fuel filter, clogged fuel injectors or throttle body) or an worn out ignition problem, caused by worn spark plugs. First and foremost, I would recommend AGAINST using a chemical additive to repair your vehicle (especially if it’s an ether product as this can cause a serious backfire and could create major engine damage). Instead, have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a car is hard to start inspection.

My car ran out of gas and now it will not start even after putting gas in the tank
ANSWER : If the starter motor itself is not functioning (i.e., no engine cranking), then the starter circuit has to be diagnosed. If the starter motor is functioning, but the car is not starting, you could have a circumstance where the fuel pump overheated because it was run dry. That could cause the pump impeller seal to fail. First, check for the characteristic, but momentary, whirring sound from the in-tank fuel pump at key "on". If no fuel pump operation is detected at key "on", check for battery voltage at the pump wire harness at key "on". If no voltage is detected, that circuit has to be diagnosed all the way back to the battery to find the fault. If there is power to the pump, but no momentary pump operation at key "on", the pump would be condemned and replaced. If the pump does operates, check fuel pressure in fuel rail to confirm that it is operating properly and supplying adequate pressure. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this, please request a no start diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

My car is leaking coolant and telling me to stop the car and check coolant.
ANSWER : Going by your description and the age of the car, I’m going to guess you have a problem with your water pump. The water pump has a rotating seal that often doesn’t leak unless the engine is running. If your water pump is leaking you might be able to see a drip from the bottom of the engine front cover. Before jumping to any conclusions though, you should have a professional pressure test the system to be sure. If you contact Your Mechanic. they can send a technician to your home or office to check out your leak and tell you what it will take to solve it.