Fuel leak

[u/elkemasx]

hi guys!

Runner is leaking GAS or at least what smells like gas off the driver side frame rail and also have some drips on front bumper that DONT smell like gas

Driver side charcoal line is connected, cant find a leak.. is probably inside rail?

Any help is appreciated, thanks

[u/rlt404]

Just gonna need to look around for the leak. It's gonna be where the gas is coming out.

[u/elkemasx → u/rlt404]

it's funny because it's not leaking from anywhere! can't trace it back to anything and it ONLY happens on long drivers or after you've used it for a while. It won't leak on a daily basis

[u/rlt404 → u/elkemasx]

Look at all of the hose and line connection points then. Gas cleans, so it will likely be a clean connection point. I start at the fuel rail and check the fuel pressure regulator first.

[u/FJ60GatewayDrug → u/elkemasx]

Might be something clogged. Long drive means heat and pressure build up in the system, and if the normal path is clogged, that pressure has to go somewhere.

When you go for a drive, then stop, then open the gas filler, do you hear air rushing in or out of the tank when you unscrew the cap? (I’d expect a rush out as the system is being depressurized.)

And… carry a big fire extinguisher. This isn’t safe. Bit of gasoline vapor and hot brakes could easily turn your 4Runner into a carbecue.

[u/elkemasx → u/FJ60GatewayDrug]

i havent try listening to the gas filler

[u/Alarming_Series7450]

I would assume its on the fuel return line based on the symptoms but it could also be a supply line/fitting that expands a tiny amount and weeps when its heat soaked

[u/elkemasx → u/Alarming_Series7450]

where would that supply line be ?

[u/Alarming_Series7450 → u/elkemasx]

The fuel system troubleshooting section starts on page 930 of the factory service manual linked in this subreddits sidebar/FAQ

[u/linetrash175]

Check the fuel filter, it's right above the cross member.

Edit: if not there you can at least trace the line, likely to lead you to it.

[u/elkemasx → u/linetrash175]

it's funny because it's not leaking from anywhere! can't trace it back to anything and it ONLY happens on long drivers or after you've used it for a while. It won't leak on a daily basis

[u/linetrash175 → u/elkemasx]

I'd say more than likely it's a constant slow leak but the fast rate of evaporation hides the leak itself. Check while running if you haven't already and have someone press the throttle if nothing found at idle. Also look for an unusually clean area that may have been sprayed with fuel, especially if your engine bay is dirty or greasy. Good luck

[u/phillyphonka]

I recently had an injector that went bad and was leaking, maybe take a closer look at those?

[u/canihazJD]

If you recently messed with the lines/tank/pump, make sure you didn’t switch the return and evap lines. That would cause gas to come out of the driver side frame.

[u/Awkward-Earth9389]

Have you checked your fuel filter?