Too much gas???
 

Fellas,

This may sound dumb, but lately, I've been filling up my car at the pump, paying via credit card. As many of you know, the pump will stop only when your tank is "full". However, lately, I've been having a problem of overfilling, I suspect. For example, today I went to fill up my car (190E 2.3 '85) and when the pump stopped, I removed the nozzle. After driving off, I could smell gas. I pulled over and checked underneath my car, and saw gas leaking out of this small hose. Tracing that hose, it lead me to the "overfill hole" near the gas tank nozzle. This "hole" is used when gas overflows from the fuel tank. I just changed my gas cap about 4 months ago.

My question is, I know this isn't normal. What's going on here? Does the little plastic piece where you stick the nozzle thru the culprit?

Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Vu

Part of the problem could be that gas expands when heated like most other liguids. Gasoline is stored in underground tanks making it much cooler than ambient temperatures in the summer. If you live in a particularly hot state and you have filled your tank to the absolute max you will get some overflow as described. The opposite is true in winter (especially noticeable here in Canada) where the gas is much warmer underground and freezing temps can lower your gas level in the tank as the gasoline contracts. We're not talking about big changes in volume, but for a freshly filled 20 gallon tank it is not surprising to me that you have had this problem. The smell of gas is the first sign of danger however, and unless you are 100% sure you have found the source of the leak and this is normal I would have a qualified tech checkit out.