Fuel leak

[ikessky]

Well, I've been smelling gas while my car has been idling for some time now. Always been meaning to fix it, but kept putting it off for some reason. Now, I've noticed a significant decrease in mileage and a little lack of power while driving tonight (the could have been because it was -3 degrees though ). It is not leaking from a line or the take so I think it must be from the injectors/fuel rail. The good old sniff check puts it at the injector closest to the alternator and power steering pump. I figured since I'm that far in, I may as well do the intake gaskets and since I'm that far in, I may as well just do the head gaskets as well. So, I guess this is as good time as any to upgrade to LS6 springs and do some porting work. The injectors are going off to Witchhunter so I'll have a little time to play with. Here's hoping that it's just a leaky o-ring and not a cracked injector.

I guess I'm just venting about this, that is all really. Why does it always seem like the moment you start to get ahead, something happens and hits the old pocket book?

[Canyonero]

Yeah, that's my project. It has been one expense after another... I'll probably be sending my spare injectors off soon to be reconditioned. What/Who/Where is "Witchhunter"?

[DEI37]

Yeah, one thing after another, and you just can't get ahead. I'm there, and all that right now. It's annoying.

[bszopi]

http://www.witchhunter.com/

[Canyonero]

That looks to be a fair price. I'll send mine there if they come recommended off the board.

Speaking of fuel leaks. I had a fuel leak on project. When I swapped my fuel pump to an SFI capable unit pushing 45PSI, I spotted a leak in the middle of my steel line. The previous owner tried to mount something under the passenger seat, and drilled down through the floor into the fuel line. He sliced a piece of vinyl line lengthwise and clamped it over-top to patch the leak. Didn't hold at 45PSI...

I've been feeling more positive about my rig. It's been about a year and a half of spending time and money on it. On my lunch break today I put drive shaft bolts in and the front tires on, I think it's ready to drive once I drop it off the jackstands. It's been a long time...

But it's not done by any means. Going straight to the exhaust shop on it's first drive today. Then I need to fix an oil leak (intake manifold gasket???). Get my spare injectors reconditioned and swapped, then tidying up lots of wiring.

[ikessky]

I'm in ~$350 on parts right now. It'll be another ~$115 for the injector cleaning/testing. When I'm finished though, the car should run like a champ and I should end up with a little more power. Coming this summer will be ~$300 for the body work and paint supplies. I guess I should count my blessings though because even a decent used car will be more than what I've spent already.

[ikessky]

I got the top end off last night and have all the injectors packaged and ready to ship. I noticed that the area around the power steering pump is extremely dirty and oily. Sure enough, the pump has leaked all the fluid I put in about two months ago (in it's defense, it was making noises at that time! ). So it looks like I'll be placing yet another Rock Auto order for a new PS pump and I figure I may as well pick up a new fuel pressure regulator since everything else is new. My wife told me just to settle down because fixing this car is definitely less expensive than buying a decent used car and plus I could never get any money for my car in it's current condition.

[bszopi]

I could never get any money for my car in it's current condition.

I know the feeling. I just don't have time to work on my car right now, and there is plenty wrong with it. But its not like I can get rid of it and get something new. Money just doesn't allow for it, especially since I wouldn't get crap out of my car.

[ikessky]

It's all a matter of how much the car is worth to you. Mine is a 2001 with 150,000+ and there is paint peeling off the rockers and the rear quarters. I would be surprised if a dealership gave me $1500 for it.

I'm really just hoping that all this work solves my problems. On my last tank of gas, I think I got ~200 miles. When I pulled the upper intake last night, it really smelled like gas and the upper and lower are absolutely filthy. I'm putting a new O2 sensor in also since it will be easy to get at right now.