fuel return hose 92 Q

[greg_atlanta]

I've been chasing a minor gas smell for a few months. I figured it was the fuel hoses under the plenum (again!) but last time I was at T3 Decatur Tommy insisted the under plenum hoses (about 18 months old) were fine and showed no signs of leakage (which is indicated by discoloration).

To my knowledge the fuel delivery (on both sides of fuel filter) and fuel return hoses have never been replaced. All the hoses look OK and clamps are tight, though hose below the fuel filter is a little dry. I was checking them today for leaks but I noticed that the small metal pipe which connects to the fuel return hose slides in and out of the strut tower about 1/2". There is a small plastic ring where the pipe meets the shock tower and the ring has a crack in it. Could this be causing the fuel smell? The pipe is visible in the pic below (but not the plastic ring). I think the ridge in the middle of the pipe is where it's supposed to meet the strut tower.

How often does the fuel return hose have fuel flowing through it? It is only used on cold startups when the engine has plenty of fuel to spare?

Also, if I replace all 3 hoses and the filter do I need to get OEM hoses, or will generic fuel hoses be OK? What size? Tommy said T3 uses a smaller than normal hose on the under plenum hoses to get a snug fit.

Greg

[Q45tech]

The fuel return line has a continuous flow of fuel returning to tank, that is necessary to regulate the psi in rail.

Ideally 3 times more fuel should return to tank than squirts out the injectors [all 8 combined].

At hot idle and cruise so little fuel is burned that it is hard to turn the fuel pump slow enough to maintain reliability without a return line.

Returnless systems use a return totally inside the tank and higher psi than 34 used on Q at idle/cruise.

[greg_atlanta]

Then I don't think I'm dumping mass amounts of fuel since my gas mileage would take a big hit. Where's the other side of that metal tube? Can I inspect by removing the right front wheel? Or need the car on a lift?

I suspect there's another rubber hose in the sequence of the fuel return hose that needs to be checked.

[96Qowner]

Check the little 2-incher that connects from the pressure regulator to the hard line. It's deep in the back of the engine under the plenum, sort of vertical. You might be able to see some fuel in the valley with a flashlight. I had all my hoses done at T3 2 years ago and that sucker is leaking again - can't tighten the clamp any more. Grrr. At least it stops when it warms up.

[Q45denver]

Are you using viton lined, high pressure hose?

[Q45tech]

Oem hoses for Q before 2002 are not Viton Lined.

Same here 3 years and leaking again...............US gasoline formulation changes.

We may be forced to try to select something better than oem.................it's a problem since we pride ourselves on using oem and none of us are truely qualified to select something better especially considering the potential liability.

[Q45denver]

Just ordered an adapter kit from Deatschwerks to go from Phase 1 to Phase 2 fuel injectors. I have a brand new set of '90-93 injectors but at some point it makes no sense to continue to beat a dead horse. Just wish there was more factory support for these upgrades.

[greg_atlanta]

Check the little 2-incher that connects from the pressure regulator to the hard line. It's deep in the back of the engine under the plenum, sort of vertical.

That one has been replaced multiple times and checks out OK per T3.

Forgot to mention.... I did get a few full turns on the clamp which holds the fuel delivery hose to the shock tower (visible to the left of the fuel filter in the pic above), so that may have been the problem. Finally getting colder here, so I'll find out soon!