Smelling gas when just filled up tank on Ford Focus 2000

First, is this a 4.0L or 5.0L engine? Without a description as to what is meant by "unstable" it is impossible to address. However, as to the "gas" smell there is a couple things that come to mind. I am assuming that you mean a raw gasoline smell and not an exhaust gas smell. If you mean an exhaust gas smell and it is a 5.0L engine you could very well have a cracked exhaust manifold and that most likely on the right side of the engine. If you have a gasoline smell then consider these things. First, if memory serves me correctly (but it's been nearly 20 years ago) I seem to remember a recall on Mountaineers and Explorers of those years for the concern you have. I think the recall had to do with replacing the fuel tank filler neck. But we need to know more details. Is the smell noticed from the inside of the vehicle or from the outside? Is the smell more from the front or the rear of the vehicle? Does it occur more when the tank has been filled? Does it occur more on hot days. Are you "topping-off" the tank when you fill? Is the "check engine" light on. If so what are the DTC's stored in the PCM? First step is to have the entire fuel system inspected for leaks or damaged lines. This includes the fill tube and seals to the tank, the tank itself, the fuel lines to and from the tank, the fuel rail at the engine and its associated fuel injectors, all the evaporative emission lines that lead to the carbon canister. If all that looks good then consider these things. If the fuel tank is "topped-off" when filling the tank this can cause a condition where raw fuel can be forced through the evaporative emission lines into the carbon canister. The carbon canister's purpose is to trap excessive fuel vapor due to thermal expansion of the fuel. The canister should be located in one of the inner front fenders. I think on the left side. These carbon canisters over time can become saturated with fuel vapor and need replacement. I recommend not topping-off the tank when filling. Especially on hot days. When fuel is pumped from the tank in the ground at the gas station the fuel is cold. But when it is pumped into the tank it begins to heat-up causing a great deal of thermal expansion and as a result vaporization. This is where the carbon canister comes in to trap those vapors and stored to be burned later when the vehicle is driven. If the smell is from the rear area from the outside of the vehicle then carefully inspect the fuel fill tube to the tank. If the smell is mostly from the outside and mostly by the front of the vehicle and no raw fuel leaks are present then it is most certainly from the carbon canister. Over time I have learned that the fuel odor emitted from a saturated carbon canister has a unique smell that is somewhat different from a raw fuel smell. If the smell is noticed inside the vehicle then careful inspection of the fuel system under the hood needs to be done. If nothing is found I would suspect the carbon canister. However, all these things I mention can cause a fuel smell both inside and outside the vehicle depending on the ambient conditions and the degree to which the smell is being generated. As an ASE and Ford certified driveability technician for many years I realize the fuel smell concern on Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles of your year can be a difficult concern to diagnose and pinpoint. As such this type of concern is best addressed by an experienced technician. So if no glaring fuel leaks are found I would suspect the evaporative emissions system and a saturated carbon canister. If the system is still working properly and if you don't overfill the tank the problem may correct itself in time as the carbon canister is purged of the excessive fuel vapor it has accumulated. But on the bright side it will keep you from smoking while you drive :)

Hello, There is a Recall for the fuelpump and the Warranty is for 10 Years. It is Recall 03n01. You will need to give the Vin# to the Dealer. I believe with a complete failure, you may be compensated for the tow. It would not hurt to ask about it.

first of all, if light is on have it scanned for a problem code. if no scanner all auto parts stores will scan for free. there has been over 200 recalls for 2000 ford focus, check with ford to see if this is one of the problems. god bless, this is a long run, but check and see if fuel is getting to fuel pressure regulator.

no you have to remve tank to change fuel pump

Are you sure that you need to replace the pump? I drive a 54 plate mk2 1.6 zetec that wouldn't always start and I was told it was the fuel pump in the tank but because the fault was intermitant I didn't have it fitted and found out that the car didn't start because the fuel lift pump wasn't priming the system before starting. I found that there was a faulty connection on the relay for the pump that is in the compartment under the glove compartment.

i reccommend you get a new battery, cleaning up the corrosion does nothing, the corrosion is a sign of acid leaking from the battery

there is a vent pipe/tube that runs along the fill pipe, this vent allows air out of the tank when u fill it, it has to be obstructed, replace it.

over half a tank of fuel ,well fuel has weight so this could be a weak pump of the gauze filter on the pump needs a clean

What year is the focus, And have you checked the ford recalls on the car? I know that when I owned my focus there was a recall with the fuel pump in the tank and i had somewhat of the same problem myself. If your only getting gas to only ONE spark plug, your issue probably lies somewhere in your fuel delivery system (i.e. Fuel pump, fuel filter etc. etc.). Which would also describe the " It stalls out then the engine won't start for along time again.". Let me know, I'll keep trying to troubleshoot with you. Good luck!

My first suggestion is always recurring to a qualified mechanic.
In your particular case there is an issue with Focus fuel pump, and Ford guarantees free replacement in many countries, ask to your local dealer, to find out if you can have fuel pump replaced for free.
FORD FOCUS Recall - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2000-02 focus spi fuel pump problems - Focaljet
fuel pump in a 2000 ford focus SE
If you wnat to DIY, instead, buy the haynes manual, and follow step by step illustrated guide. Fuel pump replacement is not a complex operation.