Author Topic: Fuel leak driver's side (Read 4954 times)

1991 318i · « **on:** October 15, 2012, 11:15:11 PM »

About a week ago the 318 started making a strange noise shortly after I left the house. Sounded like something metallic dragging from the rear of the car on the driver's side. Got out and took a look, didn't find anything, but drove the car back home and switched to the SUV:mad:.

I started the car this morning, and noticed a fuel leak right next to the jack point under the back door on the driver's side. Was dripping about every 2 seconds. Called the shop, and they'll work on it on Monday. Any probable causes? Also wondering if I should have the car towed instead of driving it the 5 miles to the shop.

Had rear brakes, bushings, and sway bar end links done a couple of months ago, was hoping to spend $ on the paint, but this is obviously the priority right now.

keflaman · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2012, 06:17:45 AM »

The fuel and brake lines run along the driver's side of the vehicle and the fuel filter is slightly aft of where you mention the leak is coming from. I'd get under there and take a look.

My car spent it's entire life in Chicago and I replaced all the brake/fuel pipes due to rust.

1991 318i · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2012, 02:26:58 AM »

Thanks for the information. That's interesting that the fuel filter is right there, they also replaced it when the other work was being done, wonder if something has come loose. Will have to take a look in the next couple of days so that I can make tow arrangements if necessary. I don't know much about cars, so would only see something obviously wrong.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2012, 07:15:45 AM »

Might just be a loose clamp, like you think. I'd get under there & double-check them all. I can take some pictures of what it should look like if you'd like.

If they used some cheap fuel line it is possible that you have a punctured line - those hoses are bent quite sharply. It's also a possibility that one of the replaced parts was defective.

ak96ss · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2012, 07:08:04 PM »

On mine, they were all dry-rotted. As soon as I replaced the fuel filter, and actually handled those lines, they all started leaking. I ended up dropping the tank and replacing all the rubber fuel lines in the car.

Not to rain on the parade...

Nelson_40 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2012, 02:44:26 AM »

What ak96ss said. On each 318 I have wrenched on the lines were rotten on one or both sides of the filter. It is truly an easy fix. You may even find a preexisting splice inline on the inlet side of the filter (above the filter, heading back towards the front), I suggest not reusing it if you want to fix it correctly.

1991 318i · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2012, 07:21:18 AM »

Quote from: ak96ss;116881

On mine, they were all dry-rotted. As soon as I replaced the fuel filter, and actually handled those lines, they all started leaking. I ended up dropping the tank and replacing all the rubber fuel lines in the car.

Not to rain on the parade...

Quote from: Nelson_40;116886

What ak96ss said. On each 318 I have wrenched on the lines were rotten on one or both sides of the filter. It is truly an easy fix. You may even find a preexisting splice inline on the inlet side of the filter (above the filter, heading back towards the front), I suggest not reusing it if you want to fix it correctly.

This is really what I'm expecting...hope it's more of a $500 repair and not $1,000. The lines wouldn't be expensive, but the labor will be if the tank has to be dropped.

1991 318i · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2012, 07:23:19 AM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;116867

Might just be a loose clamp, like you think. I'd get under there & double-check them all. I can take some pictures of what it should look like if you'd like.

If they used some cheap fuel line it is possible that you have a punctured line - those hoses are bent quite sharply. It's also a possibility that one of the replaced parts was defective.

Dave, if you wouldn't mind taking a quick photo, that would be helpful so that I have a better idea of what to look for tomorrow. Thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it.

keflaman · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2012, 09:30:43 AM »

I used brand new fuel hoses and fuel line clamps when I replaced my fuel filter. I tightened the crap out of them and they leaked the first time I put pressure on the system! I gave the clamps another twist and everything has been bone dry since. Hopefully that will be the case for you.

Fingers crossed!

1991 318i · « **Reply #9 on:** October 20, 2012, 11:13:34 PM »

Interesting development today - no fuel leaking at all. We looked under the car, and all connections were tight, and no obvious issues with the lines. I still left the car at the garage to be looked at on Monday, will also have them check for the source of the strange noise.

If there is no leak, the only thing I could think of is condensation - could it possibly smell that strongly of fuel?

Geoff · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2012, 07:22:55 AM »

was the car running when you looked under it? a leak at the filter will leak under pressure (running) and may dry up when the engine is stopped
Geoff

1991 318i · « **Reply #11 on:** October 21, 2012, 08:54:24 PM »

Quote from: Geoff;116973

was the car running when you looked under it? a leak at the filter will leak under pressure (running) and may dry up when the engine is stopped
Geoff

Yes. I found the leak originally when the car was running, and it stopped when I turned off the car. I started it Saturday morning, and we looked under the car while the engine was running, and I even drove it around the block, and looked again after that. No leaking after driving it across town to the garage either.:confused:

1991 318i · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2012, 07:39:33 PM »

Update - heard from the shop today, and the line from the filter to the engine was leaking. It's been replaced, and the car is good to go, I'll pick it up tomorrow evening. Only $75, much better than I was expecting.

Thanks for the help!