While I'm driving with the windows open, I smell gasoline. When I close the windows, I don't. Where's the leak? Is it the throttle body, the actual tank, the line? Any ideas?

Last time that happened to me it was the fuel return line, masquerading as Swiss cheese, just where it loops up over the rear axle.

About 10' of good quality Neoprene fuel hose, spliced way back by the tank and way up near the front worked fine -- that line has essentially zero pressure.

Don,

What is this line connected to at the front and what is it's purpose ?

I occasionally get gasoline smell inside the car (only if I top off my tank).

Just thought I'd get some feedback along these lines.

Thanks,

Jack W.

PS...My sister lives on the cape (E. Sandwhich)

Do you know of any good Brick Mechanics out there she could use?

She has an 94 850 (Just turned 200,000mi.)

Thanks again.

Jack --

The fuel return line is just what it says -- it returns the overflow fuel from the pressure regulator to the tank. This steel pipe runs alongside the main fuel line (and alongside two brake lines) under the car, next to the driveshaft.

Your fuel pump sucks fuel from the tank, pumps it (under pressure) to the fuel system, the regulator controls the system pressure, and the excess is returned to the tank.

On an LH-jet 240, the fuel return line connects to the back of the fuel pressure regulator.

"...occasionally get gasoline smell inside the car (only if I top off my tank)..."

Yeah, me too, but only if the windows are open -- the resulting vacuum pulls fumes into the car. I've learned not to breathe for the first 20 miles.

"...sister lives on the cape (E. Sandwhich)..."

Very nice! Didn't the Daniel Webster Inn burn down a few years back?

"...know of any good Brick Mechanics out there she could use?"

Yep, about 30 minutes from the Sagamore Bridge -- 5 minutes north of New Bedford. He has plenty customers from WH, Falmouth and Hyannis who're fed up with the (lack of) quality and service on Cape, even has a few from the Vineyard and one "regular" from Nantucket.

Email me for details.

Your source might be the rubber overflow line on the fill tube.

If you smell raw unburned gas inspect under the hood engine running, looking for a leak, check along the fuel lines which travel under driver's side to pump and filter then to the fuel tank. There are many places where fuel could leak. Run your hand around and under all lines and connections and you may "feel" the leak. It may be just a slight drip somewhere. The throttle body passes only air and some crankcase fumes but has no fuel in it.

If smell is not raw gas but rather like exhaust

Is exhaust system sound?

look for black smoke at exhaust pipe wich means running very rich and can cause a smell.