Chappy

I finally found the reason for the gas fumes. I've been searching for loose or worn fuel line connections, open vents, and leaking fuel injectors. Nope. None of those. Today I took off the air box, started the engine and to my astonishment there was a fine jet of gas shooting straight up out of the driver -side fuel rail. It seams that the throttle cable has been rubbing on the rail now for 18 years and finally wore a hole through it. That also explains why the fuel smell was so strong in the passenger compartment as well. The leaking fuel would follow down the cable into the inside of the car. So now for the questions...When I remove the rail, can I disconnect the injectors at the rail, or do I have to remove the injectors as well? Should I look for a used rail or bite the bullet and go for a new one? (No idea how much they are.) What other things should I consider while I'm doing this? Thanks for any suggestions.

Dave H.

a welding shop could prob'ly fix it for cheaper than a replacement part...

Tony

All i have to say is YOUR A LUCKY MAN..Very lucky. Thankfully you arent filling a claim on your car for a fire!


If i recall you should be able to remove the rail from the injectors and leave them in place. Under the rail on top of the injector, there is a clip that needs to be removed. It should just pull out.(8 total) There are also 4 nuts (2 on each rail) that hold the rail to the intake manifold. These will have to come off as well.
Once things are unclipped and un bolted you should be able to pull it straight up and off. it may take a little prying. Ive used a large flat blade screwdriver levered on the cam cover and intake to pry up under the fuel rail. Alternate from the front to the back..then the middle.

Thats what i did.

HTH

Lizard928

agreed, you are VERY lucky, be aware though that there are o-rings wich seal the injectors to the rail, it is a very good time to replace these

Chappy

David, Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't know if it could be welded. I'll give it a try.

Tony, When I saw the leak, I said the same thing! VERY lucky! The shark gods must have been watching over me. Thanks for the tips on removing the rail. I really don't want to remove the injectors if I don't have to. Just another posibility for more leaks.

Lizard, I'll keep an eye out for the o-rings. Thanks.

Thanks to all again.

Steve J.

Bill - Lucky indeed! Fire extinguisher should be standard equipment. Also keep an eye on that little fuel hose hidden under the airbox at the "fire"wall near the throttle cable pulley. ('87+, not sure if '85 has it). Mine was cracked and spraying fuel. Kept smelling it and took awhile to find it. I'll bet that's how Tony's project motor caught fire.