1998 V70 T5 Dangerous Fuel line test valve

[paulklee]

I brought my to a local repair shop (instead of my neighborhood buddy who helps me out ) to try and get
some testing on it done to see why it kept dying at idle and sometimes when I was moving especially on hot days. They said they tested the fuel pressure and it was low- it was probably a fuel pump they said but drive it for a while and see if it died again. When I got the car back it smelled like the exhaust was coming into the car and was too rich on top of it. Since I had a bunch of appointments I figured I would drive it and bring it back next day- So I drove it with the windows open and all over town and xpressway etc. I took it over to my buddy's house next am and said - hey man, check out the smell in the car - its been like this ever since I picked it up- He got in the car and out again quickly- opened up the hood and said "stand BACK man!" I look at it for one second and saw that gas was POURING out of the valve on the fuel rail all over the hot engine. Shutting the car off he soaked the engine with a garden hose.
I feel lucky to be alive - I honestly dont know how it didnt blow up with all the driving I did.
I thank G-D I'm telling ya. Now - PLEASE somebody tell me: What is standard procedure when a fuel pressure test is done? Do you replace the valve every time you test it ?- How could the shop have missed it leaking? WHY DID IT LEAK?? Was this total negligence or just a case of 150k car and is old. AND how do I repair this? I have looked all over for the part and dont know what that valve is called - it looks just like a Schrader valve from a bike I cant find a valve stem part on FCP or anywhere Thank you !!!

[Ozark Lee]

The valve is nothing more than a Schrader valve. It sounds like the seal on the valve rotted away. The valves screw out just like they do on a tire and they are easily replaced. Any auto parts store should be able to match up a replacement for you.

To the first part of the question, the procedure to test fuel pressure is to hook a gauge up to that Schrader valve and simply read the gauge.

I'm guessing that your fuel mileage was pretty bad on that trip.

...Lee

[abscate]

An extremely careful mechanic would have removed the pressure gauge and restarted the engine to test for a leak but that isnt a basis for conviction if one had not done that, IMHO.

Sigh - another thing to watch out for on these cars. Good news is its easy to spot of course.

[cn90]

There is an old formula:

Old car + careless mechanic = disaster!

As Lee said, this valve is like your car tire valve (or bicycle tire for that matter).
- De-pressurize fuel (get a small jar and gently press the core tip), you should get a few cc of fuel.
- Use a "valve stem tool" to remove the old core and install a new core. A few bucks.
- Then get the metal tire cap (not plastic but metal!) and cap it.


PS: Now go and get a new fuel pump (search forum for Walbro vs Bosch etc.).

[cn90]

...I'm guessing that your fuel mileage was pretty bad on that trip.

...Lee

At least the fuel pump still did its job haha!

[paulklee]

Thanks for the replies (and humor -or attempts at such):)
It was anything but funny when I realized that I had been driving on basically a bomb - and that I had been driving with one of my kids in the car
The fumes were so strong - and that I didnt think it was gas- was a total shock-
Was this total negligence on mechanics part or just a 'stuff happens' ?
In other words should I go punch out the mechanic? (Only half kidding )

[abscate]

You really can't take it out on her/him.

A Schrader rarely fails, but it should have had a metal cap on it which might have helped mitigate the fuel spill.

[paulklee]

Thanks- They seemed like decent guys - I would like to think it just happened rather than total neglect

Replaced valve- 3 minutes - parts guy at Pep Boys gave me the valve stem for free

No harm in the long run

Thanks to all