What Causes Gas in the Fuel Tank?
2 Answers
Gas in the fuel tank is caused by differences in pressure between the inside and outside of the tank, as well as heat from the fuel pump. Below are detailed explanations of these causes: Pressure Difference Between Inside and Outside the Tank: Gas forms in the fuel tank due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside. The pressure inside the tank is higher than the external pressure, causing air and some gasoline to flow under pressure, creating a jet effect. When air flows rapidly through a narrow space, the gas inside the car is actually a mixture of air and fuel vapor. Heat from the Fuel Pump: Heat generated by the fuel pump inside the tank can also lead to gas formation. Both gas and liquid expand when heated, but gas expands at a much higher rate than liquid. However, since the tank is a sealed container with a fixed volume, the pressure of the gas inside becomes greater than the external atmospheric pressure. When the fuel cap is opened, the pressurized gaseous gasoline is released from the tank. As soon as the tank is opened, the pressurized gasoline sealed inside sprays out.
I think it's quite common to have gas in the fuel tank, mainly vapor produced by gasoline evaporation. Under normal circumstances, this gas is absorbed by the vehicle's vapor recovery system into the charcoal canister for treatment. However, if there is an abnormal smell, such as a strong gasoline odor, there might be a problem. It could be due to poor sealing of the fuel tank cap allowing vapor to escape, a clogged or malfunctioning charcoal canister, or even a crack in the fuel line causing a leak. I experienced this once, and it turned out to be a loose cap—replacing it with a new one fixed the issue. I recommend checking if the cap is tightly screwed on if you notice any smell. If that doesn't help, it's best to take the car to a professional shop to inspect the entire fuel system with proper tools, as this is highly flammable and can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
