Fuel leak!

[jtmontano]

Hi there! So today I smelled fuel while driving home from work. Opened the hood and there is a leak happening at a connection where a black rubber/plastic elbow joint goes into the fuel rail. Any tips?

[harofreak00]

Probably a failed o-ring. You'll have to relieve the pressure in the line by pressing on the schrader valve with a rag over top. Squeeze the plastic lock to release the clip and pull the line off the rail. Inspect for o-ring damage and replace as needed.

[jtmontano]

Is is hard to replace the entire line and L fitting?

[96 SSEi]

hi, glad you found the issue before it became a disaster!!!
would be wise to depressurize the fuel system before you start disconnecting stuff. put rag under leak, start car and pull the fuel pump fuse - car will run and cut when all fuel is out of rail without pump forcing more fuel into system. Or, you can put rag around valve on fuel rail and press centre pin - gas will spray out so protect eyes and dont smoke weeds.....

sorry, dont know about line

[MKMike]

I had trouble finding the right size o rings, so I bought the Dorman fitting, removed its o rings and installed them on the car.
The fuel supply line from the tank is 3/8 and the return line is 5/16
Another option is to buy the Dorman nylon line with the fitting already installed and use a Dorman nylon to nylon quick connect fitting to connect it to the existing nylon line.
I imagine it would be easier to splice in a nylon section or replace the o rings than to replace the entire line--but have not replaced an entire line, so this is speculation.

[agrazela]

O rings -011 for 5/16" and -012 for 3/8", ideally viton, should do it. I think there are two o rings per fitting.

Let me know if you want some, got plenty left over from fixing fuel fittings

[ron350]

Yep there are two o-rings in each fuel line connector and each o-ring is separated by a plastic spacer. Like Agrazela said you only need two viton o-rings for each fuel line connector that is leaking.
The o-ring’s are not easy to replace but with a few tools, steady hands and good lighting it can be done.

I have replaced several o-rings and came up with some tools that make it possible. Here are several sizes of round wooden dowels to help install the o-ring.

Also have a modified stainless steel pick that has a 90 * end with a .040 end with a rounded tip. You can use this to remove the o-rings and position the plastic separator without scratching the o-rings or the plastic. You also use the pick to pull the o ring back when it goes past its grove.

[jtmontano]

Thanks for all of the help! I purchased the Dorman kit (part # 800-059) and it did the job. The splicer piece was a pain in the butt, but it all worked out. I appreciate the info!

[MKMike]

Glad you got it fixed.
Thanks for posting the result.
IMHO, the Dorman repair and replacement parts are great; They save time and make some parts that no one else does.
I've used these Dorman quick connects which are very easy to use and work well, so long as you ensure the hose ends are pushed in all the way:
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php ... 31&jsn=237
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php ... 35&jsn=233

FWIW, cutting the nylon hose with a single edged razor blade works best.