Gas smell

I have a 2003 Elantra GLS. Car runs great, and I love it, but recently
I have noticed a gas smell entering via the vents when I start the car
after it is warm already.

Anyone have any ideas? The dealer is far from me and I'd like to
diagnose first (if possible) before making the trip.

 

Check the round can thingy on the end of your fuel rail. I've seen these
leak. If there's brown goo on it, it's gummy, or moist, take it in so the
dealer can replace it. It's called a fuel damper.

 

Do you "top off" the fuel tank when refueling? This will sometimes
cause gas to back up the vent lines and you'll smell it. I just fill
the tank till the pump clicks off, then don't add any more to avoid this
situation.

 

Yes, just a few weeks ago I cleaned some "brown goo" off of the fuel
damper, but I didn't really think twice about it. I assume this damper
relieves excess pressure on the fuel rail? What would cause that? I
assume a bad fuel pump perhaps?

Next question: If I wanted to replace the damper myself, is it
difficult? It looks like it just screws on once the fuel system
pressure is released.

I would love for the dealer to do it, but if it is cheap and easy
enough I would prefer to avoid the trip and inconvenience.

Thanks!

 

Thanks Bob. No I don't top it off more than to round to the next
$0.10. I think Hyundaitech hit the nail on the head for me. Thanks.

 

If you have a 22mm wrench you can do this yourself. I have no idea what
the parts availability and pricing is outside the dealer.

The doohickey just screws on the fuel rail and just lessens the pulses
from the fuel pump. The regulator (bleed-off) is in the tank on this car.
You have what's called a "returnless" fuel delivery system.

 

I broke down and took it to the dealer yesterday. They fixed it while
I waited. They said they have never been able to remove the fuel
damper without screwing up the entire fuel rail, so they just replaced
the entire fuel rail. The whole thing took about 45 minutes and was
worth the drive.

Thanks again for your help.