How To Diagnose A Failing Fuel Line
Your fuel system must work perfectly for your vehicle to perform at its best. A faulty fuel line can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine and potentially leave you stranded. Luckily, diagnosing a faulty fuel line isn’t that tricky, so you can replace it before it fails completely.
In this article, we will look into the signs of a failing fuel line and what happens if you ignore them.
Signs That Your Fuel Line Is Failing
A vehicle’s fueling system is comprised of the fuel pump, tank, filter, injectors, and fuel lines. Any of these components can cause the symptoms listed below. But, the fuel lines are generally easier to access and worth checking first. Your fuel lines may be damaged if you experience the following symptoms:
Fuel Leaks: Fuel leaks are difficult to trace as gas evaporates soon after leaking out. You may still notice wetness along the fuel line or small patches of liquid under the vehicle.
Strong Fuel Smell: A constant smell of fuel is a sure sign that your fuel line is damaged or broken. If the leak is under the hood, your vehicle is at high risk of starting on fire. Never drive your vehicle in this condition.
Poor Running: If your car runs erratically, your fuel line may be damaged. Look out for lack of power when accelerating as well as sputtering and rough running. You may also experience misfiring at idle and under load.
Stalling: If your vehicle is stalling while at idle or on the move could be due to a restriction in the fuel system. This could be a damaged fuel pump or clogged filter, but it is always best to check if your fuel lines are faulty first.
How To Test Your Fuel Lines
It’s a good idea to locate your fuel leak before ordering a replacement fuel line from LinesToGo. There are several ways to detect leaks:
- •Visual Inspections
- •Dyes
- •Fuel Leak Detectors
If the leak is small, it may only occur when the fuel system is under pressure (when the vehicle is running). Check underneath the vehicle while it is idling. Fuel evaporates quickly, but you may be able to see a small puddle or drips from the damaged area.
Dye can be added to your fuel tank to help narrow down the source of the leak. Once you have added the dye, run the vehicle as the dye manufacturer recommends. Then shut the engine off and inspect the fuel lines. While the fuel will evaporate, the dye will remain behind. Some dyes can be seen in daylight. Others require UV light to become visible.
Fuel leak detectors are devices that can identify leaks using special sensors. They work well in hard-to-reach areas. These devices can be pricey, but you can have a shop perform the test for you for a small fee.
What Happens If I Ignore A Damaged Fuel Line?
Ignoring a fuel leak can be very dangerous. Leaking fuel can easily cause a fire, especially if it leaks onto a hot engine or exhaust component.
Even if the leak is minor, your vehicle won’t perform reliably. It will run poorly, and your gas mileage will suffer. The best thing to do is replace a failing fuel line as soon as possible.
Order Your Replacement Fuel Line From LinesToGo Today
If your car is driving poorly or smells of fuel, it may be time for a new fuel line. Once you know how, diagnosing a faulty fuel line is easy. Ordering a replacement fuel line from LinesToGo is even easier.
Our fuel lines are designed to perfectly match factory parts with OE end forms and fittings. Our hard lines are pre-bent and ready to install. Quality is a given, too. Our fuel lines are constructed from either 304L stainless steel or Galfan® coated steel. Our stainless-steel braided Teflon hoses offer rust protection and prevent surface fouling.
We stock fuel lines for dozens of makes and models, from Acura to Chevy, Ford, Honda, and more. Take advantage of our free 2-day shipping offer and order your LinesToGo fuel line today.
