Fuel line leak, DIY replacement options

[Adam]

Disclaimer: my experience with auto repair is not extensive and my car repair vocabulary is limited and growing. Bear with me. I have a Oldsmobile Silhouette, 2000

I recently discovered a fuel line leak under my Olds. The repair appeared to be pretty straight forward but after cutting hard line and patching in soft line the leak still persisted. The location of the fuel drips is coming from what I’ve referred to as “The Triangle of death”. I’m sure it has a proper name but it’s where the hard lines enter a cutout in the frame of the vehicle and emerge below the engine, in the back of the driver side wheel well. From all appearances it’s inaccessible for a patch repair.

My theoretical repair attempt would be to cut all 3 hard lines where the emerge in the wheel well and patch in soft line and run it through body (Triangle) and then attach it at a junction point prior or after the fuel filter. I’m thinking of cutting out all of the specialty quick connects and doubling up on hose clamps at each patch. I’m not sure if the plastic sleeve in the triangle will come out or how and if it’s attached to the body of the car. Many riddles to be addressed.

Is this patch a viable solution? What patch material is ideal for this repair? Where is the most logical place to cut the lines in the wheel well and under the vehicle?

I’ve attached pictures of the situation which shows my current repair attempt along with notation. Fuel is beading up on the lower middle fuel line (repaired one) emerging from the triangle.

I realize that fuel line repairs aren’t something to do half-[non-permissible content removed]. I really don’t want my car to burn up because of my incompetence.

Thanks

Attachments:

• fuelFilterPatchSpot.jpg
• FuelLinePatch1.jpg
• triangleInBody.jpg
• wideviewFuellines.jpg

Topic

[dan]

before you do any sort of cutting depressurize the fuel system, i learned this lesson the hard way working on my car and took a shower in Gasoline… keep a fire extiguisher at the ready, and plenty of rags too soak up drippings, when you are done with the gas soaked rags despose of them in a container that will be away from heat and flame.

i would cut the section of damaged line as little as possible with a line cutting tool that is approved and designed for cutting fuel line/ break line, cut in areas that have few bends which can be difficult too replicate what a factory can put out.

this may be helpful.

[video]http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzQEcVFmvWY[/video]

and this will be too..

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks

[dan]

ooh yea and wear eye protection.

[Author]

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