Haynes manual, page 140, figure 10.44, part 18 "cold start fitting" This fitting that goes into the fuel rail and leads to the cold start valve has stripped. The threads in the fuel rail are partially stripped and the washer/o-ring gasket (not depicted in Haynes) is torn. I tried using just an o-ring but it still leaks.

Has anyone had this fitting leak before and any suggestions an how to fix/repair it? Would telfon tape help? How about some kind of other thread sealer? Locktite on the threads? J&B weld? Copper gasket spray? Blue Silicon? Anything to keep me from having to pull or replace the fuel rail.

You will need to replace the fuel rail. I had a similar thing happen a few years ago and replaced the rail. The risks are just too great to try repairing it.....the odds of you fixing it are slim to none.

I have a good fuel rail, if you want it.

I have had very good results in the past with JB weld (on engine components in general). Remove the fuel rail make sure evry thing is clean and oil free. fill the hole with the JB weld let it cure for 24 to 48 hours then drill and retap. make sure you use JB weld original not the JB quick also check the package for warnings about contact with fuel. I have repaired many enine coponents in the past with this stuff and never had the repair fail when the instructions on the package were followed.

Hope this helps.

before any repair to the fuel system do consider the cost of a faulty repair. Fire!

[This message has been edited by RNGCRSH (edited 11-19-2000).]

DO NOT use JB weld or any other epoxy unless it is specifically rated for this application. Using the wrong epoxy will almost certainly result in a leak that will likely start a major fire.

The epoxy must be able to handle constant exposure to fuel AND 40-50PSI pressure AND significant heat. Few if any epoxies available on the consumer level can handle this job.

There are 3 reliable ways to fix this.

1. fill the hole and re machine it. filling should be done by an experienced AL welder.

2. over size the hole and insert a threaded sleeve. This is similar to the helicoil process but you CANNOT use a helicoil spring insert. It must be the one peice threaded sleeve. The spring insert would leak.

3. replace the fuel rail.

The easiest, most cost effective and safest method is to replace the fuel rail. They are not that expensive and you could spend a lot of time and money trying to repair it only to have it not take.

You don't want to go cheap on this.....a fire could easily start with a leaking cold start injector. Why risk that?

E-mail me if you want a good used fuel rail.....pay for the shipping and it's yours (I don't want to see another Fiero burn!).

the part youi are talking about is at the fuel block, right? that is not that difficult, or exppensive t replace. i stripped the fuel block on my GT, nad got a replacement one from Kick Hill for maybe $20!

Take the safe route!

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hoop
Red '86 GT

We are not alone!

I have to agree with all those who said, "replace the fuel rail." I tend to repair things that most (i.e. - normal ) people would replace - but in this case, even Stu would shell out the cash for a new part.

I doesn't have to be expensive. Someone just offered you a rail for shipping cost. If you can't wait for that, I bet you can get one from a salvaged car (with the 2.8 - e.g., Beretta, Celebrity, Cavalier, etc.). Bring your stripped rail with you to compare, and I bet you'll find a match.

Replace the fuel rail with a good one, and enjoy the peace of mind. I definitely would. Sorry about the preaching - I bet the first post had you convinced, huh ?

mrfiero...will $10 cover your shipping costs? I was really hoping for a quick fix as the leak is just a seep, not a spray, and I want to take the Fiero on a trip this Wed. But I guess I'll have to drive the Jeep, lots of ga$$$$$ money :-( Where should I send you a check?

Thanks,
Tom

Tom,

It's better to be safe than sorry.....even a seep can be dangerous. You can skimp on many other repairs, but I personally draw the line when it comes to leaking gas!

I'll e-mail you my address.....if you e-mail me yours I will be able to mail out the rail ASAP.

Good decision Tom! If you want to see what the consequences can be like (of driving a leaky car), you can get an idea by looking at the pics of the burned fiero.

Not pretty.

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hoop
Red '86 GT

[This message has been edited by bHooper (edited 11-20-2000).]