'95 Lumina 3.1L

[gnorthey]

Hello,

I checked the search function and didn't really find an answer so, here goes...

I have a '95 Lumina with a 3.1L V6 with about 145,000 miles. I recently replaced the lower intake manifold gasket and seemed to have developed a fuel leak. I suspect it may be one of the fuel injectors but have not been able to verify the exact location. I do not have a lot of experience with fuel injection and have a question regarding the fuel injector to fuel rail clips.

During tear down a couple of the clips were broken and the replacement clips I bought are not exact replacements. I question - if the fuel rail provides downward force on the injectors via the two fasteners that hold the fuel rail to the lower intake manifold and "sandwiches" the injectors between the rail and manifold, what is the purpose of these clips? Even when I looked at them initially they didn't seem to provide much sealing force. Do they just secure the injectors to the rail for installation? I would think the O-rings would be enough to seal any leaks? I did use new O-rings on both ends of the injectors.

After the repair the engine started right up and ran OK except for the smell of raw fuel. Admittedly, I have not taken a lot of time to investigate. I needed a few days of healing after replacing that pig and it's getting cool here in WI but I just thought I would check to see if anyone has had similar experience.

Thanks in advance for any assistance,
Gary

[maxwedge]

The clips are there to insure the injector is properly seated in the rail, in themselves they will not cause a leak.

[gnorthey]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

The clips are there to insure the injector is properly seated in the rail, in themselves they will not cause a leak.

Thanks for the reply...

OK. That makes sence. I could feel the injectors kind of 'slide' into place in the rail and intake but I just couldn't see how that clip came into play?

I cannot get a good look to see where the leak may be coming from. I was planning on pulling the upper intake and turning the key to the 'on' position. I assume that starts the fuel pump and will pressurize the fuel rail but would that be a complete test of the injectors or would I actually need to try and start the engine? I mean, in case they are leaking between the injector and lower intake?

Gary

[maxwedge]

You will see the leaks by doing what you propose, if you have an injector that is leaking down, not around the seals that is a different issue.

[gnorthey]

Great. Thank you for your help. Will post what I find.

[gnorthey]

Hello and just a quick follow up on the suspected fuel leak after replacing the lower intake manifold gasket.

It appears I may have panicked and jumped the gun on the gas leak. It was probably just gunk that fell on the rear exhaust manifold that had to burn off. The injectors seem to be holding fine now. Sure smelled like raw fuel at the time.

The car seems to be holding fluid and running OK now.

Thanks everyone for your insight.

Gary