Toyota Repair: gas odor diagnosis, fuel pressure regulator, fuel leaks

Question
Hi,
Thanks for your time.

Vehicle: 89 toyota pickup, extra cab, 22r-e, automatic, two wheel drive, 180,000 miles

There is an odor of gas while the engine is running. I would like some idea of the common causes for this problem. Can you tell me any obvious places to begin looking for gas leaks?

Thanks,
Mike  

Answer
Check the gas cap, check the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail, check the fuel injectors for leaks and the fuel lines, check the gas tank for leaks, it's possible that you either hit something on the road or a leak developed for another reason, fuel leaks are not hard to find the fuel will leave a trail after it dried up so look for any signs of this, also check the fuel filler tube and the fuel filter connections, the fuel filter is located just above the starter on the right side of the engine.