Chevrolet: 1991 Cavalier gas smell and apparent gas leak, gas leaks, gas tank

Question
Dear Keith,

1991 Cavalier  station wagon
2.2L   engine series G OHV
TBI fuel system

I bought this car recently and for a week all was ok.  When I filled the gas tank half full, I noticed a strong gas smell, which was most obvious when I turned off the engine.  The gas smell remained and could be smelled when I approached the car.  I drove the car again and ran out of gas even though the gas should have lasted much much longer.

I have searched for gas leaks on the ground and have not found any.  The gas is leaking or evaporating from somewhere, but I can't determine where.

My question is do you have any ideas what might be going on here?

Is it something I might be able to fix myself?  Right now I do not have the money to even bring it to a shop to have it fixed.  

Answer
Hi Karen, it has to be either the gas tank or the fuel lines. To check the fuel lines, jack up the car so you can get underneath it(make sure its blocked safely) with the engine running you should see fuel leaking from the fuel lines(They are on the drivers side). If the gas tank is leaking is it should be wet or you would see gas stains on it. If is is leaking on top you will have to remove the gas tank to see it. You could do it youself its not that complicated, theres just two bolts, a few lines and the filler pipe to disconnect and its out. I hope this helps you, if you need more info just let me know. Regards, Keith.