There is fuel on the exhaust mid Bolt/nut?

Tiny
CHRIS KINARD
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD MUSTANG
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 20,000,110 MILES
I am taking my exhaust manifolds off and started to disconnect the mid pipe and there was gas that covered the nut that I took off the flange. Why? And also been having a po171 and a po174 code.
Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 8:04 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
CHRIS KINARD
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And also been having a po171 and a po174 code.
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Based on your posts, I would say you have a fuel leak. Both codes indicate a lean fuel mixture. I suspect it's due to a leak that lowers fuel pressure to the engine.

Is it possible for you to take a pic of where you found the fuel and upload it for me to see?

Also, I attached a pic of the exhaust below. Can you let me know which section is the one you are referring to? I ask because looking at the pic, I see a Y pipe that attaches to one other part.

Make sure to inspect the fuel line near where you found the fuel.

Let me know. Also, let me know if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
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I noticed it when the nuts came off the manifold.
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
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And been having a po401 code too.
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
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And I also have a po262 code.
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
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Hi, '

The 401 deals with the EGR. Check to make sure the vacuum hose isn't disconnected to it. That can lead to a lean condition, but it wouldn't cause the fuel leak issue. Also, there could be a restriction (carbon) in the intake where the EGR is mounted.

The 262 is set when the computer recognizes low voltage to the fuel injectors, which again can cause the lean conditions but not the fuel issue.

________________________

Have you inspected the fuel line to make sure there isn't a leak? That is my biggest concern. The idea that there is raw fuel on the exhaust can cause a fire.

The EGR is mounted on the intake manifold. Check to make sure the vacuum hoses are attached, not loose, and not leaking due to damage.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, March 7th, 2021 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
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It's connected the gasket for the EGR was told some of the outer coating was coming off so I scraped the rest off and it had some metal spikes on it bit. I just bought a new gasket.
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Sunday, March 7th, 2021 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
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Check to see if there is a vacuum leak at the gasket. Also, when you had it off, did you check to see if there was a build-up of carbon in the intake or EGR?

Here is a link to help locate a vacuum leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, March 7th, 2021 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
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EGR was pretty clean. I take it off from time to time to clean it and the down tube looked clean.
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Sunday, March 7th, 2021 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
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Was it clean in the intake? Also, if you apply vacuum, does the pintel move?
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Monday, March 8th, 2021 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
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Here.
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
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Okay.
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
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Every passage way is clear on the intake.
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 AT 9:54 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

It looks near new. You must have taken care of it. Did you check the EGR for operation?

Joe
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 AT 5:18 PM
Tiny
CHRIS KINARD
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Did not check the EGR to hold vacuum and where the EGR bolts to is on the engine block should I take that part off and I have tried to move the diaphragm of the EGR with my mouth and it does move but tomorrow I will go to the auto parts store to use one of their vacuum and yes I used to change the oil like every month and use royal purple, lol.
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Check to see if the EGR moves when under a vacuum. Also, I've used Royal Purple for years. Great stuff. As far a the diaphragm, I don't believe you can remove it.

Let me know what you find when it's checked.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
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True but I didn't have a vacuum so I tried it with my mouth looking in the mirror and I saw the metal rod in the middle moving but I will look when I use the vacuum from O'rielys tomorrow, and I put the intake back on and cleared the codes and drove it around and the check engine light has not came on.
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
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If you saw it moving, chances are it is okay. The idea is to make sure that it will hold the vacuum until you release it.

I look forward to hearing from you and what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 9:18 PM

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