Another Fuel Smell Posting

[cdiver]

Hello guys,

I have a 94 Q that I did a lot of work on last March (replaced fuel injectors, O2 sensors, knock sensors, water pump, PS return hose, all under P hoses incluidng the cross-top water lines). About 3 months ago, I began smelling fuel in at start-up, and I noticed a small about of fuel pooling in the "V" underneath the fuel pressure regulator. I have since tighted the clamps on the fuel lines that I replaced, yet I am still having the fuel seep down and pool at night, so that I smell fuel in the mornings. UGGHH!!! NO....I don't want to pull the P again to get at the fuel lines! Any suggestions?

Also, since the only real fix will proably be to pull the P and tighten the clamps, are there any heavy-duty clams that I can really torque so the won't leak?

Any thoughts would appreciated.

Stephen

[Q45tech]

We always totally pull the fuel rails so thet every hose can be changed on the work bench to protect human backs which are very expensive to fix.

[cdiver]

Thanks Q45 Tech. Pulling the P is an all day job, so it wasn't my 1st choice.

Do you (or anyone else) have any reccomendations as to fuel hose clamps that I can torque pretty tight and prevent this problem in the future?

Thanks,

Stephen

[DAEDALUS]

It's usually not the clamps that are the problem but the lines breaking from age and overtightening of the clamps. The small hoseclamps with the jackscrews work well. Stop tightening when the rubber just starts to poke through the holes in the band.

[cdiver]

I did replace the hoses with new hose. I'm starting to wonder if its the fuel damper or the regulator that are leaking. All I know is that I find a puddle of gas in the engine block valley at the back of the engine whenever the Q has sat overnight.

Anyone experienced leaks in their fuel regualtor or fuel damper?

[mark thompson]

My fuel damper has leaked for two years It only leaks when it sits over night and the temperature is below about 45 degrees

[Q45tech]

Don't admit in a public forum that you have a known fire hazard [and have ignored it for 2 years] as this may invalidate your vehicle and home insurance..........garage fire.Of course fires are pretty rare.

Your posts are fairly permanent and searchable.

[cdiver]

Ok, I think I have found part, if not all of my problem. Last year I purchased replacement fuel hose from a Nissan Dealership - that fuel line now appears to be cracking. Although I actually see the driping from the hose, I think it is happing as the Q cools overnight and the cracks expand.

What is the best replacement fuel line that I can buy? I think Joe at Scottsdale just uses bulk hose. Does anyone have a brand they like? Is it just PVC 5/16" fuel line?

Thanks,

Stephen

[cdiver]

CORRECTION:

"Although I actually see the driping..." SHOULD BE CHAGED TO:

Although I actually DO NOT see the driping...

Stephen

[DougQ45]

Sadly I am suffering from the same thing. The upper fuel hose connection from the fuel pressure regulator to the metal fuel line leaks at cold temps---below 45 degrees!!!!!!! Doesn't leak when warm. Of course it justed started a couple of weeks ago and after I had the plenum off for some injector work.

As you know, you can't easily access this clamp. Am searching for a screwdriver with a "C' shaped bend to it, in the hope that I can tighten it a pinch. At least enough to stop the leak. I was able to tighten the lower clamp and no leaks exist from the bottom.

Mine does not leak until the car starts, and after warm up--a scary thought given the gas boiling and vaporizing in the valley. Is there any way to get a special tool or hand or trained mouse in there to tighten this thing??? Must the plenum come off again???

[Q45tech]

When you remove the plenum YOU replace EVERY HOSE EVERY TIME.........unless you are doing plenum work every year.

[90Q45blue]

Dennis,

How much would the labor charge be on a plenum job? I know parts (all hoses, KS, O2 sensors, etc.) would be around $1000.

Thanks,

Nick

[firstq]

Did you use a high rpressue EFI hose for the replacement? If you just got yourself a fuel hose, this may have been the problem - generally the high pressure EIF hose should not go out that quick, right?

[cdiver]

Hey DougQ45,

Looks like we are having the same problem; only my seems worst since most of the leak is comming from the fuel line that connects the two rails at front. Yes, I DID replace all of the hoses, fuel, temp, air, 02 sensors, knock sensors, wiring harneses, fuel injectors, ect... when I removed the P last April. Problem was, the hose that the Nissan dealship gave me crack and would not shrink to the dia of the metal connections.

Ok, now I've pruchased some Infiniti fuel line from Joe (along with fuel damper and fuel regulaor), and well I have no choice but to pull the P and do the fuel lines again.

BTW, the guys at the Infiniti Dealership sent me way, way, WAY too much fuel line. I am selling some of my excess at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...70008

or just search for Infiniti and fuel.

Stephen

PS -> Can anyone tell me if pulling the P is easier the 2nd time around?

[DougQ45]

I had the plenum off in 1/2 the time the second pull. Much easier. Just don't want to do it a third time!