1975 SPICA Spider Start up Gas Leak

Ohiospider1975 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 08:06 AM

I recently changed the oil and filters (including the SPICA Injection Filter) on a newly purchased 1975 Spider with 96,000 miles. When I started it there was a very prominent gasoline leak from above the SPICA filter compartment, and I think its from the SPICA. It poured gasoline for about 1 minute. Then it stopped. I had a pan below to catch the gasoline, as I had witnessed this once before. The leakage appears to stop when the engine heats up. I drove the car for several hours, stopping occasionally, but no gasoline leak. I am sure this is a bad situation. Can anyone provide input on what is happening and what it means for the expected usage of my SPICA injection system? Do I have to buy a rebuilt SPICA from Ingram?

Ohiospider1975

**Roadtrip** · #2 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 08:43 AM

Confirm that the fuel is coming from the injection pump and not the separate front fuel filter.

If from the injection pump, make sure that the inlet and outlet fuel fittings on the injection pump are screwed on tight and the hose connections are good.

Ohiospider1975 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 11:27 AM

Thank you John for your prompt response. I will not mess with the car until next weekend. I know to find the Main Fuel Filter I need to remove the air-filter box. This is done by removing the front with scoops and then by loosening the four hose clamps on the engine side to remove the box. Then the Main Filter housing should be visible along with the top of the SPICA. If I start the engine with the air-filter box off, to witness the leaking, does this present a problem? Please realize I am speaking about a Niagara of gasoline, and not some small amount of dripping. I don't want a fire and think I prefer downward spirting gasoline to a geyser.

**Roadtrip** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 02:33 PM

I don't think you answered my question. Is is coming from the injection pump that's attached to the front right of the engine, or the front fuel filter which is attached to the right side fender well?

Do not start the car to find the leak. No need to. As soon as you turn on the key switch, the mail supply pump comes on and pressurizes the fuel line to about 10-15 psi. If you can take a picture of the area of leakage, that'd help.

And for future reference, there is no problem starting and running the engine temporarily without the airbox on.

Ohiospider1975 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 03:40 PM

The gas leak appears to flow down the body of the SPICA. It's source appears to be about 1-2 inches up vertically from the three-screwed door holding the oil filter on the SPICA. It appears to be 2-3 inches inward (toward the cab) from that same referenced door. The leak location is higher up, near the AT, but not quite that high vertically. The gasoline flow cascades down the outside (opposite the fendor) of the SPICA and then hits the edge of the oil pan guard below. It is very clean gasoline. When I run the fuel pump prior to starting the engine, it doesn't leak. The leaking only occurs with the engine running, and for about 60 to 90 sec. It starts as a gusher and then starts subsiding until it drips then just stops completely.

There is a black small cylinder attached along the fendor (front corner near radiator), that has two large tubes connected and one small tube hanging vertically loose. This tube doesn't appear to be the source, but I don't understand where the hanging tube goes.

**Roadtrip** · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 07:38 PM

The black thing is just the oil separator.

Wow. That's a new one on me. Check to be sure the fuel inlet and outlet fittings are tight and that the fuel isn't coming from the 4 pipe towers on the top of the pump. With that much quantity I'm thinking it has to be a hose or the screw in fitting.

sidewaysalfa · #7 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 11:33 PM

Here's my 2 cents:
No leaking when the fuel pump only is running = connections from fuel filter to the FI pump and then out of the FI pump are OK.
Leaking when starting = fuel should be leaking out the 4 "fuel towers" on top of the FI pump since that is where the gas pumps out of the FI pump and then to the engine thru the 4 metal fuel pipes.
Probably 1 or more loose metal pipe connections. Problem is that is easy to check the 2 outside pipes with a 17mm wrench. But to get to either of the 2 inside ones the outside pipes need to be disconnected.
No, I take that back. I think you can get to the 2 inside ones with the 17mm wrench at a weird angle just to check if they are tight.
Note, these are metal to metal connections so use light pressure. Not like a normal nut and bolt.
Best to have an assistant working the ignition while Ohiospider watches carefully where the leak is coming from. Should not take much running time to find the leak.
Possibly a cracked metal fuel pipe? It may "heal" itself after it is running??
Good luck Ohio.

Ohiospider1975 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:26 AM

Dear Gentlemen,

You are both correct. The FI hose back from the FI to the tank was lose and one of the Fuel injector Metal Tubes was lose. Both have been tightened, and the hoses/clamps really need to be replaced. It is truly amazing how loose many of the connections appeared to be, including the hoses/Main Fuel Filter connections. My car also has a tank fuel filter located between the tank and the rear fuel pump. It currently appears to be as old as the car, and covered in grime. It doesn't leak. Is there any point in changing this, or is it redundant and not worth bothering with. I was considering draining the tank and replacing that filter.

**Roadtrip** · #9 (**permalink**) 07-27-2008, 07:31 AM

If you are uncertain of the age of the front and rear fuel filters, replace them. Same goes for the rubber fuel line, even if it looks good from the outside. On the inside it can be sluffing off and in bad shape.