Fuel Leak

[Guest Paul L]

Can anyone shed any light on a problem I'm having with my Galaxy? I recently noticed a very strong smell of fuel when I get out of the car after a short run. Had a quick look under the car and low and behold, fuel was dripping all over the drive - wife's not very happy about that I can tell you. :o

 

Got the car up on axle stands next day and couldn't find a thing wrong. No excess fuel and no leaks! Checked all the fuel lines and they're all OK! That was last week, and since then the problem hasn't reoccured - until this morning! :o

 

It was absolutely freezing this morning and the car was out overnight which meant I had to defrost it. Started it to get it warmed-up and there it was again, a really strong smell of fuel. Looked under the car and guess what, fuel everywhere!!!!!!! :o

 

The fuel itself seems to be coming from somewhere at the back of the engine compartment. Thinking about it, if the fuel system was compromised and leaking all the time, it would be losing pressure and the car would be running badly. So, I'm at a loss. Other than excess fuel gathering somewhere and overspilling, I don't know what the answer is!

 

Incidentally, in recent weeks, I've also noticed what I can only describe as a vucuum cleaner running under the bonnet a few seconds after starting up. It only lasts a couple of minutes but I'm beginning to think this and the fuel leak might be connected in some way.

 

Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

 

Regards

 

Paul

[Guest nimrod]

The fuel itself seems to be coming from somewhere at the back of the engine compartment. Thinking about it, if the fuel system was compromised and leaking all the time, it would be losing pressure and the car would be running badly. So, I'm at a loss. Other than excess fuel gathering somewhere and overspilling, I don't know what the answer is!

 

Not nessacerily! if the leak is after the pressure regulator in the fuel return pipes, the car should run ok but the fuel pump will be working harder! you say it happens in the real cold weather? could be a O ring shrinking due to the cold and leaking! there are several O rings used on the fuel rail ,the injectors and on the pressure regulator

or an hose shrinking so its smaller than its securing clip and leaking?

 

The hoover sound could be the secondary air pump kicking in? this is a air pump that blows air in after the exhaust valves to help heat up the cat so it hits it's operating temp quicker

[Guest adrian_c]

Hi

 

I have just had the same issue with a 1998 2.3 petrol. The dealership said not to drive the car at all. The problem is a leaking fuel pipe behind the engine and a new pipe is needed. The dealer has advised that these are out of stock and that it will be at least a week before we know more.

 

I checked the recalls, and this is the subject of a 2001 recall. The pipe can rub on A/C pipes and cause a leak. The recall advises new pipes and a clip to prevent this happening again. I contacted the dealer re this recall notice and am currently waiting for a response.

 

Meanwhile the car is off the road.

 

the recall notice is:

....................................................

Recall Campaigns: Vehicle CAR Between: 01/01/20 and 30/06/20

Reference: R2001/053 Launch 23/05/01

Concern: CHAFING OF FUEL FEED AND RETURN LINES

Mnfr/Importer: Ford Motor Company Limited

Make: FORD

Model: Galaxy with 2.0 or 2.3 petrol engine and air conditioning

Vehicle Identication Various

Build Dates: 01/01/1994 05/11/1999 Numbers Involved: 23281

Description of Defect:

Under "engine rock" conditions, the engine compartment fuel feed and return line bundle may contact the air conditioning

low pressure suction pipe. Repeated contact may abrade the fuel lines and, in extreme cases, lead to a fuel leak.

Remedial Action:

Recall affected vehicles, inspect fuel feed and return line bundle and renew as necessary. Fit a spacer clip to all

vehicles to prevent recurrence.

......................................................

 

Good luck with your car