"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
07/05/2016 at 16:22 • Filed to: None
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"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
07/05/2016 at 16:22 • Filed to: None | 0
| 13 |
So, Oppo - I need some advice. Over the past few years my E30 has sporadically had the same problem 4 times - fuel leak from the hose leading in to the fuel filter (right below drivers side door).
First time had the car towed to my mechanic - he started the car, no leak. Few months passed - happened again. Towed, I said replace the hoses either way. Done, good. A few months pass - AGAIN - so I asked to replace hoses and the filter itself. It’s been good for about a year...
Until this weekend. Saw a puddle of liquid as I was leaving a friends place - yup, fuel leak! Seems to be coming from under the metal clamp holding the hose in place.
So I’m thinking these clamps get tightened too hard and over time cut in to the hose, and that’s what’s causing this? Anybody else with similar experience or recommendations on specific type of hose or clamp to use? Of course these have always been rubber hoses specifically rated for fuel line use, but it’s getting ridiculous that I’ve had this happen 4 times now over the past few years.
Feels like a really simple and stupid problem, but obviously can be a huge safety hazard.
ChooChooMotherFudger
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/05/2016 at 16:28 |
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Well it looks like you are using normal hose clamps and there are fuel line clamps such as these:
I have no idea why they are better, but I use them because I don’t like fire and people tell me too.
Maybe give them a try.
Ash78, voting early and often
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/05/2016 at 16:30 |
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I’ve had bad luck with hoses fraying under the clamp, so in this case I might think about clipping off 1/2" of old hose, then re-attaching the “fresh” piece of hose onto the fuel filter’s barb. Screw-type hose clamps are usually fine, but technically the one-time use clamps are ideal. I might even back it up with a cable tie (or two) for redundancy. This is all stuff I've done with power steering and heater core lines, but never with fuel. No reason why it shouldn't work, though.
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ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> ChooChooMotherFudger
07/05/2016 at 16:31 |
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The photo was just a random one I found online, not mine. But those clamps look like what I need - the rounded edges make total sense as to not cut into the rubber like a straight edge would.
lone_liberal
> ChooChooMotherFudger
07/05/2016 at 16:32 |
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That’s where I’d start too. They apply pressure more evenly and are more resistant to over-tightening.
crowmolly
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/05/2016 at 16:37 |
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Is that a picture of the factory setup? If it wasn’t replaced with the correct clamps and hose type it could become an issue again.
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ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> Ash78, voting early and often
07/05/2016 at 16:39 |
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All good ideas, thanks. Especially like the cable tie backup!
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ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> crowmolly
07/05/2016 at 16:42 |
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Picture is actually from a DIY I found online - but more or less looks like what’s under my car. Definitely will make a point to not use a clamp with sharp edges this time, and to make sure its not over-tightened.
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Ash78, voting early and often
> ChooChooMotherFudger
07/05/2016 at 16:42 |
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Yeah, the big flaw with traditional screw clamps is they un-thread themselves because the threads don’t have much purchase. Plus they can allow some seepage where the slats are cut into the clamp. Not great, especially for fuel. Good call on these clamps. Those should be OE on most cars, but if it was previously hacked, you never know...
petebmwm
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/05/2016 at 16:48 |
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can’t say i’ve ever had that issue. your filter looks like its up against the body in the front, i’d get new hose and try to move the filter back a little so the hose has a bit of room.
Die-Trying
> ChooChooMotherFudger
07/05/2016 at 16:50 |
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fresh filter, fresh clamps, fresh hose........ but, make sure that the hose is rated for whatever it is you are using it for...... there is special hose for fuel injection over a specific psi, AND there is a specific hose that is suited for e85, and those variants of fuel.........
snug everything up tight, but no need to get violent with the tightening.
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crowmolly
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/05/2016 at 16:53 |
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Make sure you use hose rated for fuel, and the repair is acceptable for whatever your fuel pressure is.
iSureWilll
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/05/2016 at 16:54 |
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ding ding. Sharp edges on the regular clamps cutting into the hose. Fuel line clamps have rounded edges so it doesn’t happen. If you change the hose and replace the clamps you should be golden. I’ve had this happen on several customer e30's in the shop.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/05/2016 at 21:39 |
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These are my favorite. Can’t be too tight or too loose as long as you have the correct size. Quick and easy to use, reusable. No sharp edges. OE for many things in the last 20-30 years. But the screw style fuel line clamps are great too.
