Up front, I'm 70+ yrs old and this is my very first truck, a 1993 Dodge Dakota Extended cab, 2-wheel drive. That's the full extent of my savvy about the truck without hobbling out to look at the registration. This truck has had no issues in the few months I've owned it, had a front bumper to tailpipe checkup when I bought it, no issues found, has been very well maintained, one owner, but today when I cranked it, the engine was revving like a race car, nothing settled it down. Gas fumes almost overwhelmed me and I noticed that my gas gauge went from full to less than 1/4 tank overnight (I'd just filled it yesterday and went only about 8 miles after that). Is there some problem that includes ALL these symptoms, and could it catch fire if I drive it? I need to drive it 30+ miles for oncology appointment. Help anyone, please?

 

Look for signs of gas on the ground if you haven't already. IDK how else to give advice on your worry about a fire. I smell gas when mine starts and sometimes when I back up there is a stronger gas smell than I have had with other vehicles. But it's not a fire danger to me.
That said the gas gauges on these are notorious. It is a combined fuel pump sending unit in the fuel tank. If you get gas again to see how much it takes. You will know if it was siphoned or leaked or if the gauge is failing.
I strongly suspect the gauge is off. I used the trip odo to track my mileage so I kept it filled up enough until I got the bed off and fixed mine.

 

Appreciated.

 

1000 thanks for the response. Knowing I won't go up in flames on my way to the doc is nice. :-) All the best, you & yours.