[Gobnu]

Just started to do this a month ago. Whenever gas tank is relatively full in my 2013 2.5 Outback, it makes the whole garage smell pretty strongly of fuel. If it is leaking somewhere, it isn't enough to not evaporate almost immediately, as I haven't been able to find any drips.

Is there a common fuel leak location or any particular place I should start looking?

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

is the car new to your? do you or another driver regularly 'top-off' the tank manually?

any wrecks or work done recently?

 

[OBDad]

While I haven't studied the evap system on this particular vehicle any issues with the evap setup is a pretty common source of fumes. And to build on 1 Lucky Texan's point around topping off - topping off is a practice that can kill an evap system (potential to clog the evap canister).

When you open the fuel cap, do you notice any pressure buildup being released? There should be a slight vacuum, any pressure is a sign of trouble.

 

[Gobnu]

I've had the car since new. I do have a bad habit of "topping off". Where is the evaporation canister, and how can I check or change it?

No wrecks/damage/work other than manual recommended 60k items a few months ago. Just started when it got cold, which I wasn't sure was a clue or not.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

there is some kind of weight limit I THINK at which dealerships replace a canister when flooded. as an example, if it 'should weigh 4 lbs, it can weigh up to 6, but is replaced itf it weighs over 6' ---- something like that??? (completely made-up numbers OK?)

maybe an FSM would be a guide here?

 

[WAL1066]

Topping off may contribute to the smell. I had a 2007 Impreza that had a similar problem when I would top.

 

[Gobnu]

I'll definitely not "top off" next fill-up to see if that makes a difference. As of now down to 3/4 tank again and no smell anymore.