2001 Forrester Fuel Hose leak

If this is a rubber hose with hose clamps on the ends, it is easy to replace, just make sure you use fuel hose designed for fuel-injection systems.

There may be a bit of pressure in the hose even after the car sits overnight, but you can pull the fuel-pump fuse and try to start the car several times to bleed off the pressure, or find the small fuel- pressure gauge fitting and press in the center pin to relieve the pressure (fuel comes out the valve).

Dave

Thanks, Dave, for quick response. I talked to dealer service guy who confirmed the fuel hose should be easy to replace, and said to be sure to use the right hose. It doesn't sound like I need to get the factory Subaru part, and I don't know if they have it or not, I don't have the VIN handy. Do you know where I can find the fuel pump fuse? This is a friend's car, I am not very familiar with it. Perhaps the manual tells me where it is? If I don't bleed off the pressure per your suggestion, will several rags covering the hose be adequate? [I don't know if I will able to locate the fuel pressure gauge fitting] Thanks again, Wade

p.s. > >

Wade, be sure to check that the hose clamps are tight before you get too involved.

One tried and true way to deal with pressurized fuel line is to fit a large diagonal cutter around the hose, wad a rag around everything, and snip. Just be smart about it, OK? Might even want to pull the battery ground wire before getting started.

You can get replacement fuel line at most any auto parts store. Be sure to get line rated for fuel injection service, and take the old line with you to be sure you get the correct size. If the hose is difficult to remove, slit the hose where it fits over the steel line with a single edged razor blade.

The PCV valve is on the right (passenger) side of the throttle body, pretty well hidden by the associated hoses. The easiest way (maybe the _only_ way) to get to it is to remove all of the intake plastic parts and associated hoses.

This really isn't too hard if the engine compartment is warm; a hand full of small screws holding the air box and resonator in place, a couple large hose clamps, and finger clamps on the smaller hoses associated with the PCV. After this, the whole thing lifts out intact. This is a good time to replace the air filter as well; it's easier with everything out of the car.

I can email the appropriate chunk from the service manual if you think it will help, but it probably won't be necessary; Soobies are wondrous easy to work on for the most part.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101

Thanks Steve,

When you wrote: > Wade, be sure to check that the hose clamps are tight before you get

Did you mean, make sure the leak is not just loose clamps?

Just like that.

As the rubber hose ages, it becomes less resilient. This can lead to small weeps (ie wet hose, no puddle of gas, no noticeable loss of pressure/performance). Usually an extra turn or two on the clamp screw will stop this. For awhile.

Outright replacement is always a better option, but We Be Lazy, and firmly believe in the old adage:

Never do today what you can put off 'til tomorrow . . . ;-)

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101

Had leaks at the clamps on my '02 Forester a couple of months after a tune-up where the hoses had been replaced. Seemed to be temp related. When the temps ranges in single digits, we could smell gas in the car. I tightened the clamps on a couple of short rubber fuel hoses. I had to do repeat with the next temp swing from warmer to figid. Haven't had the problem since.

Had leaks at the clamps on my '02 Forester a couple of months after a tune-up where the hoses had been replaced. Seemed to be temp related. When the temps ranges in single digits, we could smell gas in the car. I tightened the clamps on a couple of short rubber fuel hoses. I had to do repeat with the next temp swing from warmer to figid. Haven't had the problem since.

Had leaks at the clamps on my '02 Forester a couple of months after a tune-up where the hoses had been replaced. Seemed to be temp related. When the temps ranges in single digits, we could smell gas in the car. I tightened the clamps on a couple of short rubber fuel hoses. I had to do repeat with the next temp swing from warmer to figid. Haven't had the problem since.

Thanks very much! Steve. Looks like it was only a case of loose clamps. I tightened them up and everything is cool now. We did get an extra piece of fuel hose that my friend keeps in the car now. What about the clamps, do they ever require replacement?

On another note ... so why do they use the short section of fuel hose? One dealer service rep told me it is because it is cheaper to replace one section of the metal fuel line as opposed to replacing the entire line. Does this seem right?

Wade

I'm not sure what piece of hose you're asking about, but my guess would be that if it runs from something attached to the car's frame to something attached to the engine, it's to allow for engine motion relative to the frame.