Where to look for fuel leak?

Varak · 08-04-2011, 10:50 AM

I've developed a fuel leak and was wondering if it is something that I can diagnose/fix myself before I take it to the shop.

The FCD is normal, but calculated MPG based on fuel bought has dropped by 10-20%. In addition, I can periodically smell fuel in the cabin.

Are there 'usual suspects' where a fuel leak normally occurs?

Eli · 08-04-2011, 10:58 AM

The fuel lines on the Insight are quite straight forward. There are only short lengths that aren't accessible from the outside of the car.

To check them, you'll need to gain access to the fuel pump/sender unit. There are tutorials here. It's pretty easy, I wouldn't take it to a shop.

Insight #3 had a hole in the fuel line due to mice. It was a gusher though, would have drained a full tank in short order.

Assuming no furry invaders, I'd bet that one of the connections to the pump/sender has developed a leak.

aisbell · 08-04-2011, 12:52 PM

Others have reported corroded and leaking fuel lines. This would be a good place to start your search.

Eli · 08-04-2011, 12:59 PM

Interesting, I wasn't aware of that. Definitely start at the engine and work back if thats the case.

gilbertguy · 08-06-2011, 12:15 PM

I just saw your car on the road yesterday, let us know what you find and where the leak is at.

kaypee171 · 08-27-2011, 05:27 PM

I have developed a similar problem. I just bought the car and under normal circumstances I would return it, except that is 500 miles away. My leak is slow; I didn't realize it while driving home, and still went 500 miles on one tank. Mine is obviously dripping out under the passenger door. It is coming off the underbody aeroshield around the last foot of the door. I assume it is underneath. I will remove the shield later and see what I am up against. Any advice for this spot?

InsightfulMeasures · 08-29-2011, 11:49 AM

Hello all,

I've known Insight owners to develop fuel leaks in their filler neck tube (it's the tube that connects to the fuel filler pipe, shown as ref #17 in this diagram) so this may be a good place to inspect. Check all the major tubes and pipes associated with the fuel system and ensure that there is no visible leaks. It may take some time but it could very well pay off

kaypee171 · 08-30-2011, 08:49 PM

I removed one of the underbody panels and easily found my problem. It was a rusted fuel line. Bless Honda, though. It looks like it was designed so that if it rusted anywhere, it would rust there. It was also an easy fix; all I needed was a 3/8" ID rubber tube and a couple of sturdy hose clamps. The line even had lips built to hold the hose clamps in place. Now I just need to clean the EGR valve.

Willie Williford · 08-30-2011, 09:27 PM

Sounds like the vehicle has been in the "salt" zone of the country. I hope you used "high pressure" 3/8 in. hose. Please put your location in your signatures.

Willie

Varak · 08-30-2011, 09:41 PM

Mine is coming from the top of the gas tank so I'm taking it in to be fixed. I don't want to deal with that much disassembly when I don't have a second car as a backup. It also gives me an excuse to fix a bunch of other minor things that I've been putting off.

Hopefully, it is just a leak and not a fuel pump issue.