hole in engine!!!

[toby2449]

Guys really need some help here. Went out to start the ol girl up today, & she struggled to turn over, then i smelt petrol! Looked under the engine & there was petrol pouring out (the car had very little petrol in it to begin with). Now engines are my weak spot. My knowledge is limited, & i couldn't see where the petrol was coming from.

So, in order to get a better look at where was wet, i took off the battery & battery shelf, & then i discovered a hole in the engine.

I have no idea if the leak of petrol is connected with the hole, i assume the hole has been there a long time, it looks to have been cut out, its certainly not rust or wear & tear.

So two issues worry me, the petrol leak & the hole.

I've attached pictures to show the hole as i'm probably not explaining this very well!!

[Sliding Pillar]

It's a long time since I owned a Dedra, but it looks like the 'hole' is in the bell housing of the gearbox and is for you to see the timing marks on the flywheel.  The petrol leak......I would be worried about that!! Check the fuel lines working backwards from the injectors.

[thecolonel]

I agree, it looks like the flywheel timing hole to me too.

[fay66]

It's a long time since I owned a Dedra, but it looks like the 'hole' is in the bell housing of the gearbox and is for you to see the timing marks on the flywheel.  The petrol leak......I would be worried about that!! Check the fuel lines working backwards from the injectors.

Hi Mark,
Hole is nothing to worry about it's definitely the acess aperture in the bell housing for timing purposes, but if I remember correctly it should have a rubber bung in it, regarding the fuel, in your 2nd photo there is staining on the lower hose of the idle control valve, fairly close but above the idle control valve is the fuel pressure regulator (item Number 5), and if it's coming from there do not use the car until you have replaced it, as there's a lot of pressure goes through there.
You don't say exactly where the fuel is dripping, can you add a photo of where it's dripping as that might give a better clue.
Brian
8227

[toby2449]

cheers guys, feel a bit silly now the hole is actually suppoed to be there!!!

i'll try get a pic of where the the petrol is dripping. I've only seen the petol dripping under the car, its dripping off the bell housing if thats any use!!!

[toby2449]

hi guys, here's a couple of pics of exactly where the leak is coming from, not sure what the cure is, is it to replace the whole unit???

[fay66]

Hi Mark,
You're pointing at the fuel pressure regulator for the fuel injection that I spoke about, item number 5 in my earlier posting , change asap, unless you fancy going up in smoke.

Brian
8227

[toby2449]

will do Brian, thanks again!! any chance of a general guide on how to change it??? :-)

[fay66]

will do Brian, thanks again!! any chance of a general guide on how to change it??? :-)

Hi Mark looking at the manual it's just a case of removing old unit by undoing the fuel in (side entry) pipe, the fuel return(Bottom) Pipe, and the manifold vacuum (Top) pipe, and replace in reverse order, as there doesn't seem to be any bracket.
However do be careful of the pressure of the fuel in the pipe as you don't really want an eyeful of petrol , I think if you take the fuel filler cap off it should help as it's a pressurised system.
All it does is that when the pressure in the injection fuel rail exceeds 2.5 bar, the valve lifts and lets excess fuel return to the tank.

Brian
8227

[toby2449]

well i've ordered the part, so hopefully a) i'll find it easy enough to replace & b) i don't end up wearing a load of petrol!! 

as so many times before, thanks Brian, you're help is invaluable!