Gas Smell / Leak - 96 V10 2500 - how to troubleshoot?

[96-99RAM2500]

Noticed this just recently and seems to be located around the tank, although no liquid gasoline leaks found, only vapor / smell so far. Where does one start to troubleshoot, hate to drop the tank to start looking at the system. Anyone else have this issue?

 

[Tank Guy]

If you have a typical pick up bed without heavy add-ons, there's an easier way to gain access than dropping the tank. Back the bed mounting bolts on the right side frame rail almost all the way out, but don't remove them. Remove the bed mounting bolts on the left side and remove the fasteners securing the fuel filler tube to the side of the bed. Separate the wiring harness connector that ties the bed harness to the frame harness, and now you should be able to tilt the bed up to the right and place a prop of some kind to hold it up out of your way. I use a two by four cut to a convenient length for this, but any number of things can be used. The bed is surprisingly light for its size so you can probably do this by yourself, but you may want a helper just in case. My 98 is a diesel and for some odd reason my fuel tank sending unit has needed replacing three times in the 28 years I've owned the truck. I've used the method I just described each time to change it out, but check things over carefully before you tilt your bed up out of the way in case I've forgotten some little detail. It's been almost ten years since I've had to do this.

 

[Grams]

A “sniffer” can be purchased online which might focus on the specific area.

But first, get under the truck, use a bright light, and slowly, carefully inspect all connections, plates, sensor-installations, etc. Do not fail to suspect your Gas Cap and gasket.

There’s also a good chance the EPA (charcoal canister) might be full and system needing service.