Fuel smell in engine valley, help!

**KryptoniK** · 09-28-2016 05:43 PM

Hey everyone,

After removing the supercharger and going back to N/A I'm getting a fresh fuel smell from the right fuel rail towards the back of the motor "valley" (firewall side). I've done a few carbon cleans in the past where I've removed and re-installed the fuel rails myself with no issues. This time it's different.

I installed 8 new injectors, 2 new fuel pressure regulators, thrust sensor and 2 HPFPs. On top of the motor there is no leak on any of the fuel line connections, sniffing around the engine bay I can pinpoint the strongest smell as mentioned, the right side towards the back of the motor "valley". I already took everything apart for a 2nd time, disconnected the fuel rails and lines, reinstalled all fuel injectors and made sure there is no pinched seal.... I took my time tightening the lines with no stress and torqued the fittings to spec.

Car runs great and strong, not a stutter or shake from the motor. No codes...

Any ideas? I'm stumped now...

**NYC_Legacy** · 09-28-2016 05:48 PM

Hmm, that is bizzare. I know this may sound silly but perhaps its just residual fuel from the disconnect/re-installs, maybe it just needs to air out?

**komseh** · 09-28-2016 06:03 PM

Happened to me when i didn't tighten one of the pressure sensors enough. It was the one closest to the front of the car. Those sensors take more torque than you think.

Get a borescope and look around under the IM with the car running

**CoreyRS** · 09-28-2016 06:03 PM

x2 for letting any residual evaporate. Although gasoline evaporates quickly, some of the detergents in it leave residue that may still smell for a bit. Normal fuel trims and whatnot, I assume?

**your daddy** · 09-28-2016 07:28 PM

pull the manifold back off.

**JimmyBones** · 09-28-2016 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by your daddy

pull the manifold back off.

Unfortunately you have no choice other than doing that again. Take everything off again and clean everything really well.

If you have a leak then you will know because fuel goes everywhere!

**ven0m** · 09-29-2016 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by JimmyBones

Unfortunately you have no choice other than doing that again. Take everything off again and clean everything really well.

If you have a leak then you will know because fuel goes everywhere!

Originally Posted by your daddy

pull the manifold back off.

OP wrote - "I already took everything apart for a 2nd time, disconnected the fuel rails and lines, reinstalled all fuel injectors and made sure there is no pinched seal..."

**JimmyBones** · 09-29-2016 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by ven0m

OP wrote - "I already took everything apart for a 2nd time, disconnected the fuel rails and lines, reinstalled all fuel injectors and made sure there is no pinched seal..."

I don't play around when it comes to a potential fuel leak. Setting something on fire is no fun.

**NY07RS4** · 09-29-2016 01:08 PM

Do you have phenolic spacers installed? If so, check the fuel distribution block in front of the oil filter housing. Those connections can get cross threaded and or tweaked a bit and can lead to a fuel leak. If okay then I'd also suggest pulling the I/M for inspection.

**KryptoniK** · 09-29-2016 01:54 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. NY07RS4 I did not install the spacers this time around, I'm running the stock tune for now.

I took off the IM again and checked every connection and I found the culprit... brass fuel pressure regulators on the fuel rails still had more to go to be tight, I torqued all of the fuel line fittings but must have missed torquing those. Just went for a test drive and no fuel smell!

Thanks again all.

**KryptoniK** · 09-29-2016 01:55 PM

PS.. I timed myself take the IM off and on, including getting the tools out and putting them away. Took me 2 hours exactly. Has anyone timed themselves before? lol

**komseh** · 09-29-2016 01:56 PM

I can do it about 45-60 minutes, but I deleted the SAI stuff and all the vacuum lines up front

**ven0m** · 09-29-2016 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by KryptoniK

PS.. I timed myself take the IM off and on, including getting the tools out and putting them away. Took me 2 hours exactly. Has anyone timed themselves before? lol

Took me a complete afternoon, when removing it for the first time.

I was missing a shallow bit driver for the bolts at the firewall. Had to jump to the store to get one. Also labelled all hoses and connectors appropriately + took pictures as not to get anything mixed when doing it the first time.
Now I would be confident to get it on/off in 4-5 hours.

I tend to take my time and check everything in between as not to forget anything and clear my head. Over the years of working in various electro mechanical fields I've learned that I don't have the time to rush a job.

Originally Posted by JimmyBones

I don't play around when it comes to a potential fuel leak. Setting something on fire is no fun.

That's the correct and smart way. I agree.

**NYC_Legacy** · 09-29-2016 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by KryptoniK

PS.. I timed myself take the IM off and on, including getting the tools out and putting them away. Took me 2 hours exactly. Has anyone timed themselves before? lol

Originally Posted by komseh

I can do it about 45-60 minutes, but I deleted the SAI stuff and all the vacuum lines up front

You guys are like a Nascar pit crew. Who wants to come over next time I do a CC? I can compensate with many beers.