Fuel Line Leak: Symptoms and Detection

The fuel lines are just one element in a vehicle’s intricate fuel system. It is the job of the fuel lines to bring fuel from the gas tank to the engine. According to eHow, fuel lines can develop leaks over time because they are prone to rub against metal under your vehicle. Mechanics stress that fuel lines need to be replaced in full and that damaged sections of the line cannot solely be repaired. Here’s how to detect a fuel line leak.

Symptoms of a Fuel Line Leak

  • Car seems to be using more fuel than usual
  • You smell a strong gas odor

According to Simple-Car-Answers.com, cars with fuel injection will have high-pressure fuel lines. This means when there is a leak present that the “fuel will spray out of the line causing a mist or a vapor which is extremely dangerous, especially if near the exhaust or engine.” If this is the case, the entire fuel line should be replaced. The leak will also likely cause a strong gasoline odor. The website also advises that fuel lines can rot from age, so if you have an older vehicle that is something to be aware of.

How to Spot a Fuel Line Leak

  • Place Your Vehicle on Jacks The fuel line runs from the rear of the car to the front. You can follow along the line with a flashlight. If you spot areas that have a buildup of dust and road grime, as well as areas with wet spots, then you have found evidence of a fuel leak, according to eHow.
  • Add a Dye to your Fuel There are dyes that you can add to your fuel that will glow under a black light. This method helps highlight the location of a fuel leak.
  • Use a Fuel Detector This device will detect the compounds that are found in gasoline and diesel, so if you can smell the presence of gasoline, but are unable to locate it with a flashlight or dye, the fuel detector is a third option.

Leaving a leaking fuel line alone is not only hazardous to your health, but the gasoline can also “degrade the rubber in your tires,” according to eHow. Your best bet is to have your fuel line examined so that if there is a leak you can have the fuel lines replaced.