Fuel Injector Hoses replaced - fuel everywhere!

[twsutt]

Here's my problem: I replaced all of my rubber fuel injection hose under the hood from the fuel inlet pipe to the fuel return pipe. I started the engine and backed it out of the garage leaving a large trail of gasoline (to find my way back into the garage.) I used 5/16" GoodYear SAE J30R9 fuel injection hose and Ideal 52F15V fuel injector hose clamps for 5/16" hose. All of the leaking seemed to be located at the fuel rail/injectors as the heat shield above the exhaust header was soaked. I had turned off the engine before opening the hood so it's kinda hard to pinpoint exactly where the leak was - everything on the driver's side of the engine was wet.

Do I have the wrong size hose or clamps? Did I tighten the clamps too tight causing the hose to pucker?

[zKars]

Terry:

Its very likely just a loose clamp or a clamp too tight that bit through the hose.

FIRST, Ventilate that shop! Open the doors and get a breeze going. Do not attempt to start the car again until the loose gas is GONE. One tiny spark and BOOM!!!! Z gone!

Second do you have a fire extinquisher? GET ONE!

Third, have someone else start the car for an quick second while you id where the leak is, then turn it right off. Ventilate, then troubleshoot that hose.

BE SAFE! I know you know this. Save the Z and your house first.

Jim

[twsutt]

Jim,

I'll have to pinpoint the leak(s), but I suspect that they may be where the injector hoses meet the fuel rail...for some reason the hose seemed to not fit as tightly as at other locations along the fuel lines.

Thanks of the tip about the fire extinguisher - it just never crossed my mind. We have one (new), but I probably need to get it out from under the kitchen sink and keep it near by until I get this fuel leak under hand.

For some reason my fuel pump can be heard running once the key is turned to the "on" position (before engaging the starter). I'll set the key to the "on" position and see if I can spot the location(s) of the leak(s) before starting the engine.

Thanks,

Terry

[MEZZZ]

I had this problem as well when I replaced my injectors. You have to tighten the heck out of those clamps. Its been a year or so but I think if you pull the top wire going to the starter (the spade connector, not the nutted wire) you can turn the key to engage the fuel pump without starting the motor. Look while turning the key and see if you can spot the leak, mine was very visible. Then torque down on the clamp and see if that fixed it. I remember changing over a couple of clamps to cure it.

[FastWoman]

MEZZZ, Jim is right about ventillating the garage, but he's a bit amiss about the real hazard. Having once had an engine catch fire in the garage, I can assure you it wasn't the car I was most concerned about, even though it was a very nice car. I think my home, with all of my belongings, would have been the bigger loss. The lesson: If there's any question whether you're going to have leaking fuel, do your work outside of your garage.

[Bonzi Lon]

One of these should be installed in everyone's Z. Right behind the seat, easy access. Hopefully, never have to use it.

Bonzi Lon

[TomoHawk]

Can't see it very well. Got another photo?

[twsutt]

For some reason my fuel pump starts pumping the moment that my key reaches the "on" position so there's no need for me to turn the key to the "start" position to get pressure in the fuel line [i'll have to track down that gremlin next.]

I checked last night and after running the fuel pump for about two seconds gasoline started spraying out from between the rubber hose and metal tubing at about 4 different places.

I can crank down on a couple of the clamps but I think that I'm gonna' have to exchange several for a smaller clamp.

Is it possible that the tubes that branch from the fuel rail to the injectors is a slightly smaller gauge than the rest of the connections? Because that's where my leaks seem to be.

[esmit208]

TW

If indeed the fuel pump energizes without the car running finding your leak shouldn't be all too difficult. I do suggest doing it when the engine is cold. A hot exhaust header or manifold can cause an unwanted BBQ as well. If you are using something other than a stock fuel pump you may also have too much fuel PSI. Good Luck

[sblake01]

For some reason my fuel pump starts pumping the moment that my key reaches the "on" position ........

That's normal operation as long as the AFM flap is open enough initially to close the fuel pump contacts. This is true for all 75-77. 78 and up don't have fuel pump contacts in the AFM. Edited September 29, 2009 by sblake01

[sblake01]

Can't see it very well. Got another photo?

I don't think a different shot or angle would help. It has a cover on it. Most extinguishers come with some type of mounting bracket and are fairly easy to install. Had one in all three Datsuns and plan to install one in the GTO. Edited September 29, 2009 by sblake01

[twsutt]

That's normal operation as long as the AFM flap is open enough initially to close the fuel pump contacts. This is true for all 75-77. 78 and up don't have fuel pump contacts in the AFM.

Stephen,

I thought that the fuel pump wasn't supposed to switch on until the key had been turned to the "start" position - which would also open the AFM flap, closing the fuel pump contacts. Is my AFM flap stuck open or is this normal? Do I need to lubricate or even clean/rebuild my AFM?

Tomo,

The fire extinguisher is in the picture next to the door opening...it looks like the extinguisher has a cover of some kind over it - like you would find in an RV or trailer.

Edited September 29, 2009 by twsutt