I have a 2000 SS... here not too long ago, I've been smelling gas real strong at times towards the rear of the car.. fuel pump works fine..But I have noticed a slight decrease in MPG... not really sure where to start looking for this particular issue. If you have any ideas that may be of help, my ears are open.

 

Perhaps this thread from another forum is relevant to your situation?



-immediately after turning off your car(or when you notice the smell), smell all around your fuel cap(but don't get high)and see if the stench is strongest here... if the smell seems to be emitting from this area YOUR FUEL CAP MAY BE BAD! next, after deducing that the smell is strongest where you refuel open the door and put your ear close to the fuel cap(without un screwing the cap), if you notice a faint seeping sound (as in pressure leaking from fuel tank) YOUR FUEL CAP IS DEFIANTLY BAD!

i noticed that this only happens after pressure has built up (which is much valued) in the gas container leading to a leak, which makes sense for those individuals (such as me) who live in hot climate areas.

i was very annoyed at this issue and noticed my fuel economy had substantially dropped! my mile per gallon were going down hill and when gas is much valued you don't want this! i noticed the smell was not emitting from my engine bay, and more so from where the fuel cap is located(behind the driver-side rear wheel)! i also noticed a small *fissing* noise from my fuel cap which sounded like a small leak (say from an air compressor with a leaky valve) i then pulled off my fuel cap and noticed that the main seal had two minor fracture cracks in them, which would easily mean that gas could escape due to increased pressure build up. (not liquid gas but gas gas... you know what i mean, like a co2 gas.. yea!) anyways i found that the solution to this issue was as easy as .... you guessed it ... a new fuel cap! their about $23.50(+tax) at your local Honda dealer[part number '17670-SM4-A04']... may be less if you live near an on-line OEM parts dealer due to low shipping rates, but in my case more expensive on-line! so please spread the word since many seemed to be confused and without an answer to this issue!

but this was in my case and seems to be that of many others as the smell is emitting from the rear driver side region!