OK, I've been away for a while, but...

 

About five months ago, my wagon was inspected and they found a gas leak. I smelled gas every once in a while, but my all knowing dad told me to ignore it. So they fixed it. But about a week ago it started to smell like gas again, but only after it has been sitting for more than two hours, and it is cold, like less than 50F. My mileage is going down by about a mile a gallon, so i am sure it is some kind of leak. Does any one know what is going on?

Don't just inspect the fuel line and injectors. The carbon canister and purge valve (and it's tubing) can sometimes be cracked or malfunctioning, causing gas vapor to get out.

 

Um - did I miss what the model is and year/mileage on the car? Might help folks pin this down a little.

whoops...

 

it is a 90 leagacy wagon LS 4wd, 5 spd. sorry about that.

Could be a hole in the bottom of the fuel tank, even a tiny hole will cause a distinct smell....especially on the move

That age car could have a problem almost anywhere.

 

Also, don't assume that whatever(waht was it?) they fixed the first time was done well/correctly either.

 

Is the smell stronger in one area than another? Is there a 'wet/black' or shiny clean spot somewhere surrounded by dirt? Have you placed cardboard or newspaper under the vehicle and let it idle for a awhile?

hey thanks for the responces

 

When the dealership called the just told me there was a gas leak, but not where. Is this a common problem in subys?

FWIW, I have found gas tank leaks on salt exposed cars are most often on the top of the tank or the top of the seam. Gas is volatile enough that if you have a small leak it may evaporate before it makes it to the ground, resulting in only a strong odor.

I just had a leak on my 90 Loyale at the small ravioli shaped "noise damper" just beyond the fuel pump. Yes it was corroded from salt conditions here in the NE. Mine was a pretty steady drip and smelled like hell. I simply removed it and clamped on a straight section of rubber tubing. Runs fine, no smell and not appreciably "noisier". The replacement part would have been around $50 and the ole gal certainly has enough other age related rattles and other noise not to notice anyway.

On first-gen Legacies, it's most commonly the charcoal canister, although check all the fuel lines around the injectors and fule filter, etc...