How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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A fuel leak is when gasoline leaks from the gas tank of the vehicle. Underneath the car will be a spot of fuel on the pavement, along with the strong smell of gasoline. A fuel leak should not be ignored, so as soon as you notice these signs, it is time to make an appointment with a mechanic right away.
In some cases, a fuel leak can be caused by a small hole in your gas tank, leaking fuel lines or leaking fuel injector or fuel regulator seal or joins. Rusty, rotten or corroded gas tanks may need to be replaced entirely. This is because they are prone to leaking repeatedly over time.
Carbon build-up can cause a clogged or partially clogged injector, preventing the injector from closing all the way. This results in a drip that creates a misfire. Fuel injectors can also leak externally as a result of dry, cracked rubber seals, or cracks within the injector itself.
With a fuel leak,
a car is never safe to drive.
Since gas is extremely combustible, it is possible that it may spark a fire, either inside the car or elsewhere, if it leaks. Therefore, fixing the leak as soon as possible is highly recommended.
In modern vehicles, the most common causes for fuel leaks are the fuel lines and their fitting which may be damaged or crack due to normal wear and tear. Fuel tank leaks are also common since they can be damaged or begin to corrode. The fuel injection system could be a source of fuel leaks as well.
For a simple but efficient fix, cover the leak with epoxy putty. If you`re looking for something stronger and more permanent, you could weld the leak shut. Welding requires you to drain the tank and clear it completely of fumes.
A gas leak may be caused by a hole in the gas tank, damaged fuel lines, damaged fuel injectors, gas tank cap issues, gas tank vent hose issues, or fuel pressure regulator issues, among other problems.
If you`re experiencing a fuel leak only after the fuel tank is full, then it might be one of three issues. First, it could simply be overflow caused by overfilling the tank, second it could be a damaged fuel tank filler housing or third and most likely, the fuel cap is damaged.
Place Your Vehicle on Jacks The fuel line runs from the rear of the car to the front. You can follow along the line with a flashlight. If you spot areas that have a buildup of dust and road grime, as well as areas with wet spots, then you have found evidence of a fuel leak, according to eHow.
The carburettor is the most common source of leaks, so start looking there. The fault could be the carburettor flooding , rather than a leak. Look at the joint between the fuel line and the carburettor, and then check other joints, working all the way back to the tank.
If you smell fuel coming from your car, but it`s coming from the engine compartment, rather than the exhaust, that points to a leak in the fuel system. On most modern cars, fuel injectors located in the intake or inserted directly into the engine itself spray a precise amount of fuel during each cycle.
There are many reasons for faulty fuel injectors but the three most common issues are clogging in your car`s fuel injectors, leaky and dirty injectors. You should remove the fuel injectors and clean them up before putting them back in for your car to function optimally.
The Engine Misfires
Dirty fuel injectors may cause your vehicle`s engine to misfire. This problem makes the motor feel as though it is sputtering — sending vibrations through the car. Such misfires can happen when a fuel injector problem mixes up the delicate balance between fuel and air entering the engine.
If you`ve noticed symptoms of injector failure while driving, don`t delay! While the risk of severe engine damage is relatively low, it`s not impossible. More importantly, replacing a bad fuel injector will improve the fuel economy, engine power, and overall drivability of your vehicle.
Leaking Injectors will cause:
Fuel odors inside and around the car. Hard Starting. Poor Emissions. Oil thinning, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
While the engine runs, put the tip of a long metal screwdriver against one of the fuel injectors. Lean in and put your ear on the handle of the screwdriver. A clicking sound indicates a good injector. If you don`t hear anything, the injector may need to be cleaned or replaced.
Four basic classifications are used to describe aircraft fuel leaks: stain, seep, heavy seep, and running leak.
A petrol or diesel leak can be spotted by the colour and smell. If the puddle looks multicoloured and it smells like you`re at a petrol station then it`s most likely a fuel leak you`ve encountered. It is usually caused by the fuel tank cracking, as a result of old age.
Car gas leaks are both a health and mechanical hazard when it comes to you and your car. You should take it into an auto shop at once before it worsens. The job of fixing or replacing your damaged gas tank can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500.
Leaving a leaking fuel line alone is not only hazardous to your health, but the gasoline can also “degrade the rubber in your tires,” according to eHow. Your best bet is to have your fuel line examined so that if there is a leak you can have the fuel lines replaced.
A leaky, loose, or missing gas cap may also cause the Check Engine light to come on. Whatever the cause, if your garage has started to smell strongly of gasoline, call your NAPA AutoCare Center before you attempt to start the vehicle.
Leaving a leaking fuel line alone is not only hazardous to your health, but the gasoline can also “degrade the rubber in your tires,” according to eHow. Your best bet is to have your fuel line examined so that if there is a leak you can have the fuel lines replaced.
How long and what is the process to replace a fuel pressure sensor?
ANSWER : A professional mechanic would require roughly 5 hours. (If just the regulator is replaced that takes about 1 hour). Some parts, as noted below, cannot be re-used, you need a precision inch pound torque wrench, FSM instructions (and TSB updates if applicable; procedure was changed in 2007 for instance) and the system has to be bled when done.
Below is partial list of steps, copied and pasted directly from the service manual:
1. Disconnect battery and put protective material in front of the charge air cooler (CAC) or damage to the CAC may occur.
2. Remove air cleaner assembly.
3. Disconnect the oil drain tube from the crankcase vent oil separator.
4. Loosen the air cleaner outlet tube clamp and detach the air cleaner outlet tube from the turbocharger.
5. Remove the bolts, the crankcase vent oil separator and the air cleaner outlet pipe as an assembly.
6. Remove and discard the crankcase vent oil separator press-in-place gasket. (To re-install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).
7. Disconnect the PCM electrical connector (BE SURE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED FIRST!) and retainer. Disconnect the in-line electrical connector and position the engine wiring harness on the engine.
8. Remove the pushnuts and the glow plug module heat shield.
9. Disconnect the high-pressure fuel injection pump electrical connector and detach the retainer from the glow plug module bracket. Disconnect the glow plug module and the exhaust gas recirculation temperature (EGRT) sensor electrical connectors, detach the wiring retainer and position the wiring harnesses aside.
10. Remove the nut and position the ground strap aside. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).
11. Remove the engine wiring harness bolt. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).
12. Remove the heater supply tube nut. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).
13. Remove the bolts and the glow plug module bracket. To install, tighten to 13 Nm (115 lb-in).
14. Remove the nut and position the transmission fluid indicator tube aside. To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
Warning: Do NOT disconnect the glow plug electrical connector before dislodging the seal from the valve cover or the wiring harness may be damaged.
15. Using an appropriate tool, dislodge the glow plug wiring harness seals from the valve cover.
16. Disconnect the glow plug electrical connectors by pulling on the glow plug wiring harness tee above the seal. Remove the glow plug wiring harness.
17. Remove the nut and position the crankcase ventilation drain tube aside.
18. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer from the valve cover stud.
19. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer from the generator bracket.
20. Disconnect the A/C pressure switch electrical connector. Position the harness aside.
Warning: Do not bend or flex the heater supply tube or damage to the tube may occur.
21. Remove the stud bolts, bolts and the valve cover. Remove and discard the valve cover gasket. To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
Warning: Contact with exposed fuel injector wiring, if energized, may result in electric shock.
Use care when working on or around energized fuel injector wiring. Fuel injector wiring supplies HIGH VOLTAGE to operate the fuel injectors of course, you disconnected the battery though.
22. Disconnect the fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor electrical connector.
Warning: Fuel injection equipment is manufactured to VERY precise tolerances and fine clearances (think space shuttle). To prevent fuel system damage, it is essential that absolute cleanliness is observed when working with these components. Always install fuel system caps on any open orifices or tubes.
23. Remove the FRP sensor. To install, tighten the FRP sensor in 2 stages.
Stage 1: Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Stage 2: Tighten an additional 40 degrees.
24. Bleed the high-pressure fuel system.
If you feel like this job may be too overwhelming or run into any issues, consider YourMechanic to get it done. One of our mobile technicians can come to your home and replace the fuel pressure sensor at your own convenience.
