2001 Ranger. No problem till today. I filled up with gas, topped it off and when started driving there was the smell of gas, just like someone poured some into the cab. It was really strong. It got a little better after the fuel in the tank went down. If the tank was leaking, I don't think I would smell it in the cab. It seemed like the fan blower motor was bringing it in. I think it was something in the engine compartment leaking. I stopped and checked for leaks but found none and the engine ran fine.
Any ideas as to what might have caused this or where I might start looking for a lead? I hate to fill it up full again because the smell might might return and it was bad. I need to get this fixed before it gets REALLY cold up here in MN. Thanks for any ideas that I can look for.

 

Get a short hose and wet rag or towel
Take off gas cap
Wrap wet towel around hose and put end of hose in the gas tank opening, hold towel in place to seal opening
Use your mouth to blow into the hose, NOT an air compressor EVER, you will blow off fittings
You lungs can generate about 2psi

Gas tank should be sealed, so you won't be able to blow into it much
If you can you should also HEAR where the air is coming out
Its usually a rusted out filler tube or vent hose

Yes, you would for sure smell that in the cab

Fresh air vent for blower fan is in cowl on passenger side, so won't pull in air from engine bay assuming hood was closed, there is a hood gasket that seals it off so air can't come up from back end of hood, for that reason