2008 HHR 50K miles, 2.2L, Auto, NO CEL

So for the past couple months sometimes I smell gas around the rear of the car in the mornings as I am about to get in. Not all the time and sometimes it is stronger than others. Sometimes I even smell it when I get inside the car. There are no Check Engine lights! I jacked the car up and carefully inspected the fuel lines, absolutely no leaks. I have NEVER seen a drop of fuel on the ground. I suspect it to be some sorta vapor leak. Perhaps a leak on the top of my fuel tank or maybe the evap canister? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Gas cap fully tight?

 

Any leak in the EVAP should cause a CEL. That includes a hole in the tank.

The EVAP system is designed to eliminate those vapors.

I suppose the tube from the charcoal canister to the top of the filler could have a hole in it, but that should trigger a CEL, also.

 

Let's inspect the fuel cap, is it clean and tight, it should trigger a warning on the DIC if it was faulty.
The EVAP canister as Donbrew's points out would also trigger a code.
Let's eliminate any other possibility, do you park in a garage?
Does the garage have a lawn mower or snowblower and or a fuel jerry can?
Do you park outside and if so are you near another car that could be the source of the fuel smell?

 

I park outside. I am certain that it is coming from my car. I park in the drive way which is on an incline, I park with nose pointing up.

 

You say it happens sometimes, could it be only after fill-ups? Do you 'top-off' the tank when you fill up?

 

That is a good point, and topping off is a big no no in the HHR!
If you back in do you get the smell??

 

Thing can be below half tank and it smells. No, when the pump stops, I am done. i'll start parking in the other direction and let ya know what happens.

 

I'd bet on a fuel leak just in front of the left rear wheel. Put it on stands with the engine running so there is pressure on the fuel lines. It usually leaks at a clamp or behind the heat shield.

 

It has been a year and I still smell gas. It is much stronger after filling up with gas and the day after, as RJ RS SS 350 asked. I did a thorough inspection, but I'll inspect again with the engine running next time. Someone also mentioned the evap canister, maybe I'll change it and see. I'll keep ya posted.