I've had code P1457 set for quite a while, and a bit of a fuel smell once in a while.

I replaced the vent shutoff solenoid a few years ago, and haven't experienced any problems, so haven't bother with diagnosing further.

NOW, something really wierd happened today. I was doing deliveries, and after getting home and parking on the street, I noticed a VERY strong smell of fuel.

I looked underneath and saw fuel dripping VERY heavily from near the center of the car towards the front of the fuel tank (can't tell where).

Went inside, and after 10 minutes came about our, and fuel was still dripping heavily. Don't know why I did it, but I opened the gas cap slowly and there was a LOT of pressure that was released.

I've been working on cars for years, and have never, ever experienced this much pressure released from the fuel cap.

So, I came back 5 minutes later and the fuel drip had stopped. Started it up, went for a spin and didn't notice any smell or dripping. I made sure to go up and down some inclines, hard starts & stops. Still no dripping. Also no pressure from opening the gas cap.

Also opened up the fuel pump access panel, everything seemed dry on top from what little I could see.

Haven't had time to put it up on ramps to take a closer look. Going to try and put some fuel in, and see if it leaks again.

Here's the question: If I put fuel in, and it doesn't immediately leak, what could possibly be the problem? Could this over-pressure have something to do with the evap system and P1457? I've never experienced something like this

Anyone experience fuel leaking somewhere from an evap or maybe pump issue?

P.S. I replaced the fuel lines 3-4 years ago at the same time as replacing all the rotted brake lines, and those haven't been an issue

EDIT: I went to the very nearby gas station, and put in 1 gallon, no leak. 2 gallons, no leak, 3 gallons no leak.
Drove around for a few minutes, small drip, nothing like before. Little bit of pressure came out of the gas cap this time, not the hurricane sized woosh from before.

I'm wondering if one of the solenoids in the evap system is stuck closed, and causing over-pressurization, and then a fuel leak from somewhere that maybe has a hose/clamp connection?

 

Sounds like something isn't opening and pressuring up the fuel system. You could have an intermittent problem with the EVAP system as well. The EVAP system is simple in theory, testing can require a scanner to turn on/off valves. Most DIYers don't have them.

The southmain auto youtube channel has some good videos on troubleshooting. Depending on your testing ability and tools, be very cautious about disconnecting evap lines to isolate the problem, because you can cause a fire and get hurt. I'd recommend making sure the engine is stone cold and looking at electrical connectors with possible corrosion potentially causing problems.

This may be something you want to take to a shop that is good with diagnostics.