HELP!!!, im leaking gas for some reason!!! Options

[6gsillyca]

My car has been up on jack stands for about 5 months now, and i went to work under it again and noticed it was leaking something. I had noticed earlier when i was working in the garage that it smelled like gas all of the sudden. I figured it was one of my neighbors doing something, because i didnt have any open gas lying around.

There are 3 lines going to/from my fpr. First one is blue and goes towards the engine. second 2 are smaller
I will get some pics up asap of where the leak is coming from. The line that goes into the bottom of the fpr is the one that is leaking the gas.

Its not a small drip either, its streaming down the control arm. Battery is disconnected.

I found this under the car, and i have never seen it before.

Im trying to post pics. its a 14 mm bolt with a gold colored thread. about 3/4 " long. There is a hole that goes straight throug the shoulder area. Thread is about .5". Threaded area also has a hole, cant see how far it goes.









This post has been edited by 6gsillyca: Mar 11, 2007 - 5:29 PM

[cheeco]

looks like the bolt that screws into the top of the fuel filter

[95CelicaRacer]

That is not the banjo bolt that goes on top of the fuel filter. 5sfe's use M12 - 1.25 thread pitch and the hole that goes through the banjo bolt looks way to small compared to the stock one. Just look at the filter to see if the banjo bolt is there or not.

This post has been edited by 95CelicaRacer: Mar 12, 2007 - 7:54 AM

[Alan]

looks like the bolt that screws into the top of the fuel filter

That is not the banjo bolt that goes on top of the fuel filter. 5sfe's use M12 - 1.25 thread pitch and the hole that goes through the banjo bolt looks way to small compared to the stock one. Just look at the filter to see if the banjo bolt is there or not.

Yes, it is definatly the fuel filter screw, and if it is missing be sure to put the copper washers on Top and bottom , as it will still leak without them

[6gsillyca]

This is also up in FI, because it is regarding a 3's engine.

The bolt I found is NOT fromt he fuel filter, or any part of the fuel system. It is my caliper bolt that had gotten kicked under the car and in my panicked thinking I thought it was from the fuel system.

I found the source of the leak, and I think it is a cracked rubber hose, but I dont know why it would start to leak yesterday. Like I said, the car has been up on stands for the last 5 months, and when i first noticed the leak it was flowing down the firewall.

Art had said it was a fuel return line, but there should be no fuel when the car is off.

Are any of the fuel lines pressurized, and would still be pressurized after 5 months of not running?

[Alan]

This is also up in FI, because it is regarding a 3's engine.

The bolt I found is NOT fromt he fuel filter, or any part of the fuel system. It is my caliper bolt that had gotten kicked under the car and in my panicked thinking I thought it was from the fuel system.

I found the source of the leak, and I think it is a cracked rubber hose, but I dont know why it would start to leak yesterday. Like I said, the car has been up on stands for the last 5 months, and when i first noticed the leak it was flowing down the firewall.

Art had said it was a fuel return line, but there should be no fuel when the car is off.

Are any of the fuel lines pressurized, and would still be pressurized after 5 months of not running?

The main fuel line is presurised when the ignition key is turned on, and keeps presurised for some time, but I dont think it will be pressurized after 5 months and not having the ignition key turned on.
If you dont want the pressure in the systme simply untighten the bolt on the fuel filter to depressurize the entire system. MAKE SURE THAT THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED.

Then replace that hose that seems to be torn.

[jc47]

The lines usually lose most if not all pressure within 24 hours. Fuel will still remain in the lines though, even though there is no pressure. It could be in the supply or return lines. If you have a fuel smell but no dripping, it could be a vent line.

[bindertch]

The lines usually lose most if not all pressure within 24 hours. Fuel will still remain in the lines though, even though there is no pressure. It could be in the supply or return lines. If you have a fuel smell but no dripping, it could be a vent line.

Some fuel systems will hold pressure for quit a while. Also has the temp changed there recently, because if the tank gets warm the fuel will expand and create vapors and build pressure and could do what you described. Also the best way to relieve the pressure with an engine that runs is to remove the fuel pump relay and try to start the car.

[Bitter]

evaporating fuel can pressurize the gas tank, but the check valves should keep that pressure out of the fuel system.