Oil Leak

[SteveGales]

Fresh from the success of repairing the clock (thanks again all) , next "niggly" job on the to do list.

Ever since I've had the car there has always been an oil leak from the petrol pump to block joint. Over the years have tried thin gaskets, thick gaskets with and without sealant and even a new pump just in case the mounting face was warped. Have also been careful not to overtighten nuts. Still leaks!

Any suggestions ?

Regards

Steve

[chrislg]

Hi Steve,

I had the same problem on my Fulvia, and it turned out to be the casting onto which the fuel pump is mounted being slightly distorted, in that someone had over tightened the nuts at some point and slightly 'pulled' the surface near to the studs out of 'true'. Peter Gerrish advised me to use slightly thicker gaskets together with a 'hard setting' jointing compound. From memory the one I used was Green Hermatite, do the nuts up normally and wait a couple of days for the compound to 'go off'. It worked for me and finally got rid of the oil leak.

Hope that helps.

Chris

[peterbaker]

Surely there is a special gasket which is much thicker than normal. Like me!

[SteveGales]

Hi Chris

Thanks for that, I will certainly give it a go. Did you do anything to the face of the casting before putting it all back together?

Peter, no comment !!

Steve

[ncundy]

If you have access to a small enough flatening stone then you could (after removing the studs) "stone" it flat. Do the same to the mating face as well and you should have two nice flat surfaces. Looking at my engine there looks to be enough room to try this - although when mounted in the car it might not be possible.

[chrislg]

No I didn't, partly because space is tight, but also I was not sure that could get the studs out easily. You could try to as Neil suggested, but I would have thought that it would be difficult and you run the risk of debris getting into areas it shouldn't. If you were rebuilding and engine, then I would do it as it is known to be a problem area. Also, if you use thicker gaskets you run the risk of reducing the 'stroke' on the fuel pump which could affect the fuel pressure.

Chris

[ncundy]

That's a good point about debris, probably not a good idea in your circumstances Steve.

[fay66]

What about using silicone gasket either side of the original gasket? I would have thought that should take up any discrepancies without making it too thick.

I found that the pump flange itself was a bit distorted, and eased it with oiled fine wet & dry on a piece of plate glass. that helped although it didn't completely effect a cure.

Brian
8227

[SteveGales]

I'll cut my own out of slightly thicker gasket paper and try the hard setting jointing compound.

Have always used 'Blue Hylomar' before which is non-setting ,perhaps this will make the difference.

Wiil let you know how I get on.

Regards

Steve

[lancialulu]

Steve

Chris's point is correct re introducing a thicker gasket will affect the fuel pressure from the pump but as you only potter along it shouldnt be a problem!!!

Tim

[SteveGales]

Hi Tim

Cheeky G..

There are two reasons I struggle to keep up with your Fulvia.....
1) Your car is a modified 1.6 HF and 2) It's normally SARAH who's driving it !!!!

Cheers

Steve

[fay66]

Hi Tim

Cheeky G..

There are two reasons I struggle to keep up with your Fulvia.....
1) Your car is a modified 1.6 HF and 2) It's normally SARAH who's driving it !!!!

Cheers

Steve

Careful, Sarah may get the idea you're an MCP.

Brian
8227

[St Volumex]

Our Fulvia had an apparent oil leak in the same area until I replaced the mechanical fuel pump diaphragm.

Fuel was leaking through the diaphragm and out the pump drain hole in the base, running down the side of the engine, only it looked just like oil.

Have you checked this Steve?

[SteveGales]

Thanks Guy, I will certainly double-check that over the weekend. It looks like oil (there is so much of it !) and I did change the pump
about 3 years ago.

Brian, I was pulling Tim's leg. As anyone who has seen Tim's wife, Sarah, drive around Goodwood or on the Cotswold  Economy Drive will know, she can peddle a Fulvia faster than most of us !!.....Tim included 

Steve

[davidwheeler]

You could of course throw the pump away, fit a blanking plate and an electric pump.  Saves all that churning in the morning.