Mysterious petrol leak
Discussion
So I was about to go out this morning sat in the car with the door open fiddling with the sat nav, engine running and I could suddenly smell petrol. So I looked under the car and petrol was pouring out under the rear of the engine on the passenger side. It had probably lost a litre or so in a couple of minutes. I had to go to work so I put a drip tray under it, sat there for a minute to make sure it didn't burst in to flames and then i went out.
Fast forward to this evening, all the petrol had dried up, filter boxes off covers off so i can see the pipes, fire extinguishers at the ready I pop the ignition and pumps on and .... nothing not a drip or even the slightest whiff of petrol apart from where it should be. I checked all the unions wiggled pulled and prodded the pipes then finally started the engine and warmed it up - all perfectly normal. All my petrol pipes are less than 5 years old, all insulated and regularly checked so although I was sure it was going to be a burst pipe I was a bit surprised if one had gone. If it wasn't for the square yard of really clean driveway where the petrol had been I might think it was all a dream. Any ideas ???
Fast forward to this evening, all the petrol had dried up, filter boxes off covers off so i can see the pipes, fire extinguishers at the ready I pop the ignition and pumps on and .... nothing not a drip or even the slightest whiff of petrol apart from where it should be. I checked all the unions wiggled pulled and prodded the pipes then finally started the engine and warmed it up - all perfectly normal. All my petrol pipes are less than 5 years old, all insulated and regularly checked so although I was sure it was going to be a burst pipe I was a bit surprised if one had gone. If it wasn't for the square yard of really clean driveway where the petrol had been I might think it was all a dream. Any ideas ???
I would guess the tube connected to the fuel rail (top side rear of the engine), which will be visible when you remove the scuttle panel (panel near to screen and wipers) You will see the tube connected to the fuel rail, it is on the rear of the engine and on the top.
Perhaps you will see something wrong there.
But in any case don't drive! Check it or get it checked first.
Very likely that it will start leaking again, even without starting engine but just when switching on the fuel pump.
Perhaps you will see something wrong there.
But in any case don't drive! Check it or get it checked first.
Very likely that it will start leaking again, even without starting engine but just when switching on the fuel pump.
Madmark
I am thinking along the same lines as i have now had a very good look at all the pipes and there is no evidence of a leak. I cant identify where the leak was as there is no evidnce of spray or residue anywhere except on the sump and sump guard. All the pipes have thermal wrap so if one leaked i would have a thermal wrap full of fuel and i don't even have a whiff of it on any of them. I am wondering about the pressure relief valve or the carbon canister purge system.
I am thinking along the same lines as i have now had a very good look at all the pipes and there is no evidence of a leak. I cant identify where the leak was as there is no evidnce of spray or residue anywhere except on the sump and sump guard. All the pipes have thermal wrap so if one leaked i would have a thermal wrap full of fuel and i don't even have a whiff of it on any of them. I am wondering about the pressure relief valve or the carbon canister purge system.
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