Fuel Line connector / valve leaks gas?

ALPHAA10

MEMBER
1998 BUICK LESABRE
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
254,000 MILES

While working with the engine (after shutdown), I noticed a single drop of clear fluid-- later determined to be raw gas--falling away from a fuel rail connector (photos attached).

1. What is this connector? I searched my manual, but the manual provides no names.

2. Is this a critical situation? A single drop without fuel line pressure means more gas will drip under pressure-- if not spray.

I have purchased a fire extinguisher made for gasoline fires, but have minimized my driving, and want to take care of this as first priority.

Images (Click to make bigger)

4 Replies

TY ANDERSON

MECHANIC
719 POSTS

This is a common issue with these engines.
This is the fuel supply line to the fuel rail.
With a small pick and some patience, you can remove the o-ring seals inside and replace them to reseal this line from leaking.
There are replacement fuel lines you can purchase also. Look for fuel supply line and see if it matches the shape and turns of the fuel line on your vehicle.

Let us know what you find.

The below video walks you through the process and gives part numbers for the replacement o-rings.

https://youtu.be/xjvq-BRmZ4k?si=JqdRtGd-hLXnvNZq

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Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 AT 6:50 AM

ALPHAA10

MEMBER
203 POSTS

Ty, do you recommend fuel line replacement, as a general rule?
From the YouTube video, it appears that simple replacement of the O-rings is the usual remedy.

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Thursday, June 20th, 2024 AT 9:26 PM

TY ANDERSON

MECHANIC
719 POSTS

The fuel line should be the easiest to do but might cost more.
If you can get to both sides of the fuel line fairly simply then I would opt for the fuel line replacement over the o -rings, as the o-rings will take longer or may be more difficult to get the new ones situated inside the pipe.

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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 10:17 AM

ALPHAA10

MEMBER
203 POSTS

Thanks, I appreciate that.
I'll compare prices, and then decide. The O-ring operation doesn't seem very complicated, and I have several picks from which to choose.
The link you provided was full of helpful comments from readers, who mentioned exactly what O-ring dimensions should be, and the Fel-Pro and Dorman part numbers, as well.
One reader said his own leak was so bad, the "back of the engine" had a pool of gas on it.

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Friday, June 21st, 2024 AT 6:43 PM