Of fuel and water just for a change.

[IvegotaCommy]

Aint it amazing how the best laid plans go astray. Decided to wash the engine today. Put the car up on ramps and stopped the motor. Lifted the bonnet and noted large pool of fuel lying on the top of the engine (right hand side, just near the end of the fuel rail). Thought I had better work on this so the engine wash goes on the back burner.

Initially thought I had better replace the O-rings. So tried to strip the fuel rail off but after much swearing and cursing, realised I had to remove the alternator first. After that everything went much faster. Problem turned out to be the incoming connection from the fuel tank. Even done up tight the connection leaked. Replaced the clips.

However, while I had the alternator off, I thought I might try to find a persistent coolant leak I had been chasing for a while. Poked at the small pipe that feeds the intake manifold from the water pump and it fell off. It consist of a plastic tubing connection that goes into a hole in the inlet manifold. The plastic was completely rotten. Touch it and it crumbled. I eventually cut and pried the remains out of the manifold but left a few chips in it that were out of reach I am hoping they won't cause any problems.

Motor water system shows signs of neglect. The hoses are stiff and crinkle when you squeeze them. I suspect I am the first person to actually use coolant in a long time.

Is what has happened to the connection a common problem with these engines?

[Lost_Pete]

Age, heat and oil slowly perishes the rubber hoses in our cars. I'd suggest you change all your hoses while you are at it and maybe your heater tap.

[peter65]

yep had the same problem with the plastic double ended pipe that goes into the manifold. cept mine did it in the freeway (btw did you know that the white-plastic RBT tube makes a good temporary sleeve to go into the two halves of the broken tube? i do now). my donk has 320kkm on it. things just arent made to last anymore are they? ;-) good point about the coolant-flush it out every 2 years. i flushed mine out on the freeway. cheers!