I've been smelling gas for a couple weeks now and couldn't find the source.

I even took it into a stealership and they said nothing was wrong.

Now today, a few hours before I'm going to leave on my 4th of July trip, I find the cracked & leaking hose!! (*grumbles about stupid stealership*)

( noob alert )
Can I just disconnect this hose and reattach a new one of the same size?
Do I have to worry about any air getting in the system or vacuums or ???
If I disconnect this hose will gas come spurting out?

This is for a 97 4Runner.
Thanks!!

Pics below:

 

some gas my come out, just take the gas cap off to release the pressure.. you should be able to just take that line off and replace it. if you get air in the line you may have to crank it a little longer then normal to get it started but it won't hurt anything.

 

that line is the fuel return line, just remove and replace. no need to worry about air, its plug and play

 

I would use a fuel injection rated hose.

That is the return line, so it is low pressure, but the FI hose is more durable.

 

Yep, it was the fuel return line.
I was going to try to replace it myself, but called up the dealer and gave them an earful for not finding an obvious leak (you could see it dripping gas with the engine started).
They replaced it for free and I was able to take off for my trip on time.

Squeaky wheel gets the oil I guess :p

 

For anyone doing this in the future, I would second Yoda's suggestion for FI rated hose on the fuel return line.