5.4L Low Power And Gasoline Smell

[Eddiejoe3333]

Hello Everyone,
I have a 2001 Eddie Bauer with 152,000 miles. We bought it with about 150,000 miles.
We just replaced the alternator because I had that voltage light come on under acceleration after about 3000 RPM.
What is happening now is that I have to get very deep into the throttle when going uphill to maintain my current speed. I live in northern AZ, so uphill is a daily occurrence!
Is it normal to have to push the pedal nearly to the floor to get the transmission to downshift enough to accelerate uphill?

Also, there is a strong gas smell coming from the right rear of the vehicle. I can smell it only outside, not inside.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[bodabdan]

By all means you need to identify the source of the gas smell. You don't want to be one of those burnt spots on the shoulder.
If you have a significant fuel leak it could cause a loss of power.