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Ken McCarthy · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:41 pm Post subject: Strange Fuel Leak

I have an intermittent fuel leak from the 16V injected engine. It only happens at first start up but is a significant leak, creating a puddle of fuel on the floor/ground. After the car has run a bit it stops leaking. If the engine is stopped and restarted it stops leaking.

The leak appears to be coming from the vicinity of the pulse damper (the next device after the main fuel filter), or possibly the fuel pressure regulator on the return line, which is close. No visible sign of damage or cracked pipes but there are a lot of pipes in that area (next to cylinder 4 on the left hand side).

Any suggestions?

Thanks
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Ken McCarthy - 16V Sprint

gritsop · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:51 pm Post subject:

Hi,

I 'd think that this fuel leak is continiously occuring but simply you can't see it as the engine is warm and the fuel evaporates.

I had put a new fuel pipe in the fuel tank and within a few months it cracked. I was losing fuel and could not find it. Then one day I saw a big puddle of fuel in the floor as I was doing the regular inspection before setting off.

Most probably it is a cracked pipe.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Ken McCarthy · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 12:04 am Post subject: Strange Fuel Leak

Thanks Thanassis

That is possible, but I started it cold this morning and ran for less than a minute, turned off and restarted. Nothing had a chance to get very warm and the leak at the first start would not evaporate under those conditions but everything was completely dry at the second start. I had the car jacked and the front wheel off and was able to look from both above and underneath.

Regards
_________________
Ken McCarthy - 16V Sprint