Ford Focus 09 Tdci - Fuel leak (spraying diesel) | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Fri 13 Feb 2015 18:59

Ford Focus 09 Tdci - Fuel leak (spraying diesel) - MarkEo

I noticed a slight smell of diesel a couple of days ago, around my car and I dismissed it as some spilt fuel from the petrol station. It's gradually got worse and is now coming through the vents and into the car.

I had a look under the bonnet tonight after work tonight and although there was no obvious signs of a fuel leak on first inspection, after I'd started the engine and put my foot on the accelerator a big cloud of diesel proceeded to spray up and over the engine block. It's coming from the centre of the engine, behind the glow plugs where the flow/return pipes disappear down into the engine bay at the back.

I ran out of light tonight so I'm going to have a closer look tomorrow. Do you have any idea what it might be? I'm hoping it's just a faulty seal that needs replacing :-/

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 13 Feb 2015 21:19

Ford Focus 09 Tdci - Fuel leak (spraying diesel) - elekie&a/c doctor

Possibly a fuel return/leak off pipe fractured .These are pre-formed hard plastic and become brittle with age.Unlikely to be a seal.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 14 Feb 2015 00:03

Ford Focus 09 Tdci - Fuel leak (spraying diesel) - Peter.N.

If its a high pressure leak keep your hands well away from it as it can penetrate the skin. There shouldn't be enough pressure in the leak off circuit to cause a spray, I would suspect an injector or commonr rail connection is leaking, if you can find it you may well find that tightening it up will cure it.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 14 Feb 2015 21:51

Ford Focus 09 Tdci - Fuel leak (spraying diesel) - focussed

I hope you find and cure the diesel leak before it causes a fire.

A mist of diesel and a hot manifold/turbo is not a good combination.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sat 14 Feb 2015 22:26

Ford Focus 09 Tdci - Fuel leak (spraying diesel) - MarkEo

Just an update, I had a better look today in the light and there's a minute hole in one of the stainless steel flow and return pipes. I've spoke to a ford dealer and they have the pipes for £52,

I've ordered one and taken the faulty one out so I can just switch it when the new one arrives.

Thanks for the comments though

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Related questions

Eclectic shock

We have just bought a second hand car from a dealer and we found we had to immediately replace broken rear springs and shock absorbers. We understand that we can claim against the dealer, especially as...

I'm selling my 2017 Toyota Auris Estate, what's the best way to get a good deal?

I was offered a deal with my local Toyota dealer to p/ex my Toyota Auris 2017 (67) Hybrid Estate for a 2018 Yaris Design £13,800 (ticks all the boxes) but it has not worked out for me. Two months ago...

If I give my car to a garage to sell, can someone legally drive it even though it's in my name and isn't taxed?

If I give my car to a garage to sell, can a garage employee legally drive it? Is the driver covered under the garage's insurance policy without displaying trade plates? Also, the vehicle is not taxed and...

I sold a car and now two months later the buyer wants a refund?

I sold a car which seemed fine but 2 months later the timing chain went and the new owner has asked for some of the money back. There were no signs of any issue when I had it. The car was sold as seem...

Ask Honest John

Sell Your Car

Real MPG

Fuel Calculator