'89 325i Fuel Leak

[thedivision]

Hi all,

I just picked up an e30 beater. I had a friend check it out and buy it, so I haven't seen it yet. I think it's been sitting for 8 years, but it's been started regularly. PO said it there was a fuel smell after it ran for a bit. When my friend got there and he started it, the smell turned into a leak.

Apparently it was leaking heavily from under the driver/front fender area. Are there hoses there? Is there a fuel plumbing diagram somewhere? Realoem didn't help much.

I'd like to be well prepared to fix this when I see the car tomorrow.

Thanks

[JrCamacho]

Yes, the fuel hardlines are routed on the driver's underside of the vehicle, they run up that fender into the engine bay.. more than likely at the bend there, it rusted and corroded. You'r going to have to replace the entire hardlines, you don't know what else is in that condition since that one already has been compromised.

www.blunttech.com, they typically have great prices and outstanding customer service!

[CarsSuck]

^ what he said is true, any leaking from the coolant lines into the heater core will corrode the fuel hard lines. I'm not totally sure, but I believe if you buy new hard line, you'll have to bend it yourself similar to brake line.

Its probable that its just the rubber hoses. They connect to the hard lines right under the brake booster. When you replace those make sure you use the proper fuel INJECTION hose, its designed for the high pressure of the fuel system.

[thedivision]

Update:

Finally got a chance to check it out. The main line going from the rear to the front was rusted through. Return line was also toast. It needs brake lines as well. Car is not worth it at this point.