Petrol leak

[Patchy]

Hi! My maestro has recently developed a slight smell of petrol when driving, and the last few days I have noticed a small puddle of petrol on the ground underneath the engine when I have parked up. Does anyone have any idea what is likely to be the problem, and if it is likely to be anything serious?

[E_T_V]

Well it could be many different things. The obvious things are perished fuel lines/split hoses. but it could be a duff fuel pump, or a sticking float in the carb. Can you see where the petrol is coming from? As you are not a million miles away if you get stuck perhaps I could take a look at it sometime.

[Dave]

My maestro developed a slight petrol leak, which then turned into a huge torrent.... seriously huge, it filled 3 washing up bowls in about 3mins....

Anyway, that turned out to be one of the spot welds that hold the central baffle in the base of the tank, presumable the baffle flexing over the years caused a weak weld to pull through - the tank was otherwise in perfect condition.

Dave.

[E_T_V]

Petrol tank leaks aren't uncommon either, especially around the seam. Are you sure the patch of petrol is from the engine not from the tank?

[Patchy]

The leak seems to be under the front end of the car, and when I look underneath I can see it dripping off the bottom of the engine somewhere, but I don't know much about cars!

[E_T_V]

Pull the dip stick out and smell it.. No I'm not joking here!
If it smells of petrol you need a new petrol pump and an oil change.

[Patchy]

Just smelt it.. and it does seem to smell slightly of petrol. Is fitting a new petrol pump and changing oil a garage job or is it fairly straightforward.. .and is it safe to drive car in meantime?

[E_T_V]

Both jobs are very straightforward. What engine is in the maestro by the way? 1.3, 1.6, or 2.0?

Before condeming your fuel pump I'd look for leaks elsewhere as this is more likely.

What happens when the fuel pump goes is that the rubber diaphram in it can split. This lets petrol escape into the oil of the engine. When severe there is too much oil/petrol in the sump and so it overflows out through the easiest place.

If petrol is leaking into your sump the oil will REALLY stink of petrol. A slight smell isn't too much to worry about.

The most likely thing is still to check all the hoses for splits. Where abouts are you based in sheffield? If it is somewhere close I might be able to take a quick look.

[Beaker]

Been thinking all day I recognise that username, 'Patchy'! Then I realised I know why, its because I gave you the link to the site. Doh! :laugh:

Glad you decided to join up. Welcome to the MadHouse! :D

[Patchy]

Its a 1.3
Thanks for offer to have a quick look at car... I'm near university arts tower, in Netherthorpe.

Gonna scan a pic of Hilda to put on site later lol

[Mat_C]

I would put my money on it being a split. They usually split where they attach to the pump or carb. First check the pipe going to the carb under the air filter (this can leak onto exhaust manifold - ouch!). Wiggle it a little and see if they're any drips. If you can't see anything feel the bottom of the hose to see if its wet.

Also check the two hoses where they connect onto the fuel pump.

[Simon]

It could also be the gasket where the two halves of the pump meet. I had that go on a previous maestro that I used to own in the 1980's

[Beaker]

Have you determined precisely where the petrol leak is coming from yet?

[Patchy]

It leaks when parked facing downhill, but not when facing uphill. I rang a garage and he says it will be the pipe coming off the carburettor, but he says it is very difficult to replace. Does anyone know of any good but cheap garages in Sheffield who knows about Maestros? I need to get it fixed as soon as possible, preferrably tomorrow!

[E_T_V]

Give me a call tomorrow evening (sorry I got held up this evening) Phone number and address is in a PM to you. If you want to pop over I'll see what I can do.
Nothing is really difficult to fix on the maestro, but some bits can be awkward sometimes.

[Patchy]

Thanks for all the replies. I've got it fixed at last!