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Potential Gas Leak?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jedo, Aug 28, 2020.

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  1. Jedo

    Jedo New Member

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    Hi Everyone.

    I have a 2016 Prius and for the last few days I have been noticing a puddle of something by back left side of my car (behind the left rear tire and by the back left fender). I am not sure if it is a gas leak from a full tank or if the exhaust system is just letting out some type of liquid. The puddle is clear but I am parked on tar pavement and from what I can tell...it doesn't have a strong gas odor.

    I had my car serviced one for an issue similar to this and they said oh you just overfilled the tank :-/

    Anyways, has anyone had this issue and know how I can definitely find out if this leak is fuel related?

    I am going to call the dealership and see what they can do for me again.

    Thanks!
     

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  2. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Have you washed the back window?

    If it's Petrol - it'll smell like Petrol.
     
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Or to put it another way, if it does NOT smell like gasoline, it is NOT gasoline.

    The exhaust system will "weep" some moisture and there are drain holes for that.
    It should only be noticeable on VERY short trips though.

    Note: IF you ARE in the habit of overfilling the gas tank.......STOP THAT. It can cause problems.

    Edit: That picture shows an extremely SMALL amount of something on the pavement. It might not even be from your car.
    Why is the bumper cover pulled loose from the body on that side ??
     
  4. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    First thing I noticed in your picture is the gap between the bumper panel and body panel is bigger than it should be, as if the bumper was hit and dislodged from the fasteners. Second thing, can you place a plate or bowl in the spot of the drip and leave it overnight so you can determine if the liquid is fuel or just water?
     
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  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    My guess would be hydrogen hydroxide. Car engines are basically machines for taking hydrocarbons from gasoline and oxygen from the air, and shuffling them into carbon dioxide and hydrogen hydroxide. They make a lot of both. The HOH is a liquid at normal temperature and pressure.
     
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  6. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Active Member

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    Have you tried lighting that spot on fire to see if it will catch on fire?
     
  7. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    upload_2020-8-29_14-56-39.png
     
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  8. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    . Be sure to move the car first...
     
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  9. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Active Member

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    Heh, try explaining that one to the insurance company.

    If you're really paranoid about the liquids that drip from the car then do this:

    Take a big cardboard box and unfold it so it lays out flat. Stick it under the car after you park it for the night and check it in the morning. See what liquids stain the cardboard.
     
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