Hi, sorry if in the wrong section.

 

Hoping for some help, I am getting a fuel smell in the cabin of my fiesta and also when your stood outside next to the car. 

 

I have had a look around the injectors for the obvious leaks, but none are apparent. I haven't taken anything apart, just a visual check. 

 

What I have noticed is a small clear pipe hanging down below the engine on the passenger side (offside) . 

 

Took the car to my local garage, not Ford, who said I might have an oil leak or I might have a fuel leak but they can't see where from. I get the feeling they didn't really bother to investigate at all, but kindly charged me a hours labour 🙄

 

Not keen to go to Ford as it's an older car, circa 130k on the clock and likely to be replaced in the next 6-12 months.

 

Any help or suggestions as to the cause appreciated.

 

Thanks

Will

That small clear pipe is the water drain for the fuel filter.  If that's leaking it should be easy enough to see drips from it.

There is also a small round valve on the low pressure pipework at the top of the engine that can weep fuel on the 1.5 TDCI.

Ultimately though, unless you can see a leak and ideally post a picture, I'm not sure we can diagnose it through the internet.

2 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

That small clear pipe is the water drain for the fuel filter.  If that's leaking it should be easy enough to see drips from it.

There is also a small round valve on the low pressure pipework at the top of the engine that can weep fuel on the 1.5 TDCI.

Ultimately though, unless you can see a leak and ideally post a picture, I'm not sure we can diagnose it through the internet.

Thanks for the reply. 

 

So the water drain, should that just drain off or be plugged in somewhere? Would it cause the smell? 

 

I totally understand tha without photos ect, just after where to start and some basic checks I can do. 

 

Thanks

Will

The drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the fuel filter and then just hangs towards the ground.

There is a tap on the fuel filter that can be opened to drain the water off if necessary.

I drove diesels for a decade and never needed to drain water from the fuel filter at all so I'm not sure why they still fit the drains to UK cars.  It will be useful for countries with lower quality fuel.

Ok so think I have found roughly where the leak is. First photo with red arrow is just to show where I took the photo from. 

 

Second photo shows one end of the clear/yellowish pipe. The other end is hanging down dragging on the floor, third photo. 

 

Im fairly certain that the fluid leaking is fuel, I've put cardboard under, caught some and it's a strong fuel smell. 

 

Ideas or suggestions? 

This is the fuel filter & housing for your car.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393427152305

 

The thing in the centre on top that looks like an electrical plug is actually a drain tap.  First you could try to 'close' it further, in case it's vibrated open.  If that doesn't work, you can try opening it to drain a little off, then close it again, hoping it reseals better afterwards.  If neither of those work, you will need to replace the fuel filter.  The filter is available separately from the housing, but with your leak, I'd replace the whole assembly together personally.

So the clear yellowish hose, should that be attached one end on the bottom of the fuel filter and other end hanging out? 

44 minutes ago, FiestaWill said:

So the clear yellowish hose, should that be attached one end on the bottom of the fuel filter and other end hanging out? 

Yes.  The hose is not the issue.  If there's diesel in that hose, the filter is leaking.

On 2/10/2024 at 5:59 PM, TomsFocus said:

Yes.  The hose is not the issue.  If there's diesel in that hose, the filter is leaking.

Update -

Initially tried to loosen and tighten the vent, subsequently I had to use a vacuum bulb/pump to draw fuel back. Doing this I could hear air coming from under the filter, confirming..I think, that it's a leaky filter and housing as you suggested.

Having taken the filter out, the metal housing the filter sits in was filled with fuel. Definitely found my leak, thanks for the pointers, big help!! 

 

Whilst taking the filter off ..one of the 3 t15 screws has seized and the head totally minced. So my plan to just change the filter is out the window...new filter and housing as you suggested....and probably some new torx bits.