Won’t fill Very strong odor of gas

[04SS99Denali]

I have a 2010 avalanche. Recently it will pop out a few times when filling. No big deal I was figuring it was a vent valve or charcoal canister. A month or so later it absolutely reeks of gas when standing next to it. No lights on. Runs great no hesitation no hard starts. Looking for suggestions at this point I think it’s more than the vent valve. Before I go drop the tank and start replacing parts I’m hoping for some tips in the right direction. Thanks

 

[cfmistry]

Most likely the fuel pump rusted and a line broke. It has happened to many of us. Replacement pulp is the solution but it can be a bear to get out.

 

[89Suburban]

Following this

 

[OR VietVet]

I am with @cfmistry on this. The very strong smell points to a leak and is likely rusted thru where the fill neck attaches. If something has shifted there that could explain a moved/pinched hose. This is all just guesswork till you drop it but I don't think it is safe to drive if the smell is that strong.

 

[Fless]

You could get or borrow an endoscope and inspect the top of the fuel tank, and the lines.

 

[dubyagee01]

Most likely the pump lines, not the fill line. Ive done the same on my Yukon. The Rock Auto pump/sender I used doesnt read the fuel level correctly so watch out.

 

[OR VietVet]

Most likely the pump lines, not the fill line. Ive done the same on my Yukon. The Rock Auto pump/sender I used doesnt read the fuel level correctly so watch out.

But he said will not fill without clicking off several times. What am I missing?

 

[dubyagee01]

But he said will not fill without clicking off several times. What am I missing?

I would start by checking the vent line / charcoal canister. If the line is full of charcoal then the canister has failed. Its a closed loop venting system though. Any smell of fuel means a breach.

My truck? Id drop the tank, check everything and replace the canister, fuel pump at minimum.

 

[wsteele]

You could get or borrow an endoscope and inspect the top of the fuel tank, and the lines.

That is a good idea.

If you can’t borrow one, or get a cheap rental/loan from your FLAPS, you can buy one that will work with an Android smart phone for like $20 on Amazon, a little more for an iPhone compatible model. The only downside to going the later cheap and dirty route is they likely have plastic fiber optics, which may make gas tank inspections a relatively short lived affair.

 

[cfmistry]

Found a picture of mine (when it broke) at 160k miles:

 

[ivin74]

I have a 2010 avalanche. Recently it will pop out a few times when filling. No big deal I was figuring it was a vent valve or charcoal canister. Thanks

Remove the charcoal canister and check to see it the pellets fall out, if they do the pellets might be in the the fuel lines. Replace the canister and blow out the lines.


Regarding the fuel odor, check for leaks like the other members suggested.

 

[KATfishing]

I had a similar experience. It was related to my fuel pump and gas on top of the tank where it was no longer sealed (gasket I think). Tank was dropped and new fuel pump/assembly installed. When I needed to replace the vent valve assembly, there was no gas odor, just an Evap code and issues with filling.

 

[Fred34]

I had the same thing happen as well. Went to my mechanic and we worked together to drop the tank. Fuel vent nipple was broken off. We did have a bear of a time trying to get the old pump out. Took three try’s before we finally got the correct pump for the suburban from the jobber. Back in was a hell of a job too. Glad that was over with !!! All day job, plussss !!!

 

[04SS99Denali]

At this point I’m assuming it’s a gas leak somewhere the smell has gotten worse. Gonna drop the tank and see what’s the deal.

 

[OR VietVet]

At this point I’m assuming it’s a gas leak somewhere the smell has gotten worse. Gonna drop the tank and see what’s the deal.

Get a few cans of penetrant and spray all the bolts/nuts you can see and let them soak for a day or two.

 

[04SS99Denali]

Ok so I figured out the issue. Turns out it wasn't the fuel pump hard lines. It was the feed line that runs from the plastic lines off the tank to the fuel rail. It was leaking right at the braided bend which would explain the terrible smell in the cab. Didn't have to drop the tank but man was that a pain to get in and in proper orientation.

 

[OR VietVet]

Ok so I figured out the issue. Turns out it wasn't the fuel pump hard lines. It was the feed line that runs from the plastic lines off the tank to the fuel rail. It was leaking right at the braided bend which would explain the terrible smell in the cab. Didn't have to drop the tank but man was that a pain to get in and in proper orientation.

If they made it easy, anyone could do it. It takes a pro, like yourself, to do it.

 

[04SS99Denali]

If they made it easy, anyone could do it. It takes a pro, like yourself, to do it.

Lets just say I am shocked that the new one isn't leaking also. With all seriousness its not easy to line up those pre bent hard lines. Alot has to come out to do it right.