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Author Topic: '99 3.0 V6 24V fuel leak  (Read 10620 times)
José V. Gavilá
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1999 Espace 3.0 V6 24V


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« on: October 19, 2011, 09:24:01 am »

Hi all,

Here I am again with another problem with my lovely Espace  Sad

Some days ago I notice a petrol smell when parking (with window open). I checked the engine and it seemed to me like the smell came from it  Shocked Shocked ... but a later check showed that it seems to come from the tubing from petrol tank to engine.

My reasoning is this: I have discarded tank, as when I take out the tank plug, it keeps doing the usual noise as petrol vapour pressure has build up and it is released. Then, I have discarded return pipe as smell lasts for a while even with engine stopped 3 or 4 hours (so I guess there is residual pressure still on it, which continue the leak for some time). It seems not a big leak, as there is no dipping from it nor any noticeable fuel lose but, definitely, something is not OK (I have the car since 2005 and know it  Wink ). And then, another strong hint is that car needs more cranking to start that it did some time ago. So I would say there is a pinhole-like leak or crack somewhere from the fuel pump to the engine (BTW, I visually checked fuel filter and it seemed OK)

Has anyone experience a similar leak?. Am I right with my simple diagnosis?. I am planning on taking the car to Renault and ask for replacement of both tubes (including return), as they are now almost 13 years old and, well, I don't want to end burst in flames  Wink

Your opinion and thoughts, please?

Thanks!

JOSE
« Last Edit: October 19, 2011, 09:51:09 am by José V. Gavilá » Logged

JOSE V. GAVILA
La Canyada (Valencia)
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http://jvgavila.com
renaultbiler
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« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2011, 12:59:46 pm »

look at this one, something like that ? http://www.matrasport.dk/forum/index.php/topic,2232.0.html
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1980 Alpine A-310 w/GTA 2.5 V6 Turbo
2000 Grand Espace V6 24v Initiale: http://www.renaultbiler.no/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2529
2000 Scenic RXi 2.0 16v IDE aut DP0: http://www.renaultbiler.no/forum/viewtopic.php?id=3751
1982 R20TX 2.2
Service Online: www.servicehefte.net/servdata/?cid=qqkX
José V. Gavilá
Full Member
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Posts: 97


1999 Espace 3.0 V6 24V


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« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2011, 01:16:36 pm »

look at this one, something like that ? http://www.matrasport.dk/forum/index.php/topic,2232.0.html

Yes!!!. It seems my search ability is not up to par  Wink

It should be the same, as effectively, I have found that the smell is stronger close to the rear part of the Espace, at the filler cap side. So all seems to mach  Cheesy

Anders, if you are reading this, could you let me know how much was the new fuel pump?. In my case it seems to work fine... or not, as it takes some crank time to start (but perhaps this is due to the leak?)

Regards and big thanks,

JOSE
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JOSE V. GAVILA
La Canyada (Valencia)
SPAIN

http://jvgavila.com
renaultbiler
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« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2011, 03:05:38 pm »

When you have a leak in this fuel line it will take a little longer to build up the required fuel pressure than a sealed system already pre-pressurised. So what you experience seems normal and will probably be okay after repair.
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1980 Alpine A-310 w/GTA 2.5 V6 Turbo
2000 Grand Espace V6 24v Initiale: http://www.renaultbiler.no/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2529
2000 Scenic RXi 2.0 16v IDE aut DP0: http://www.renaultbiler.no/forum/viewtopic.php?id=3751
1982 R20TX 2.2
Service Online: www.servicehefte.net/servdata/?cid=qqkX
Anders Dinsen
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« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2011, 07:58:25 pm »

Hi José, yes that sounds exactly like my problem back in june. Tom is correct that the pump is not the problem as such, but since the problem is that the outlet is breaking off, there's no other way around the problem than to replace the complete pump assembly. The slow starting is due to the fuel leak.

The pump was about 200€ as far as I remember, but Renault wanted a lot more, so I ended up with an OEM found on eBay.

Here's one: http://www.ebay.de/itm/230686220814

The fuel tubes are probably fine, no need to replace those.

Good luck, José!

/Anders
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1982 Talbot Matra Murena 2.2 prep 142
2017 BMW i3 "Charged Professional" 94Ah

Used to own:
2001 Renault Matra Grand Espace "The Race" V6 24v
1997 Renault Matra Espace 2.0 8V
1987 Renault Matra Espace J11 2.2
José V. Gavilá
Full Member
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Posts: 97


1999 Espace 3.0 V6 24V


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« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2011, 08:24:24 pm »

Hello Anders,

Hi José, yes that sounds exactly like my problem back in june. Tom is correct that the pump is not the problem as such, but since the problem is that the outlet is breaking off, there's no other way around the problem than to replace the complete pump assembly. The slow starting is due to the fuel leak.

The pump was about 200€ as far as I remember, but Renault wanted a lot more, so I ended up with an OEM found on eBay.

Here's one: http://www.ebay.de/itm/230686220814

The fuel tubes are probably fine, no need to replace those.

Good luck, José!

/Anders

OK, thanks for all the info Smiley !

I see that seller send only to Germany  Huh . I will ask anyway.

Regarding the works, did you use an elevator, a ramp set or what?

Regards,

JOSE
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JOSE V. GAVILA
La Canyada (Valencia)
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http://jvgavila.com
Anders Dinsen
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« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2011, 06:51:45 am »

Quote
I see that seller send only to Germany  Huh . I will ask anyway.

Regarding the works, did you use an elevator, a ramp set or what?

Regards,

JOSE

Yes, do ask. They are usually willing to ship anywhere, but just don't bother to put the shipping costs on the auction.
I wouldn't use ramps as they get in the way whey you dismantle the filler hose. It's quite difficult to get it off. A lift/elevator is best, but I managed to do the job only lifting the rear about 50 cm. The working position is quite awkward, but it's doable.

Two suggestions:

- Run the car until you are certain there's less than 10 litres of petrol in it. The tank is surprisingly heavy and fuel splashes out easily from the filler connection as you move it around.

- With the tank still on the car but the fuel filler hose removed, take a latex glove or two or similar and draw it over the filler connection on the tank. Put a tie strip around it to secure it. This will prevent fuel from spilling out as you move the tank around.

Also, read the instructions in the workshop manual carefully. Getting the lock ring back on the tank is difficult. Getting it off is too. If I am to do it again, I'd leave it to a garage. It's not a difficult job, it's just too messy for me Sad

/Anders
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1982 Talbot Matra Murena 2.2 prep 142
2017 BMW i3 "Charged Professional" 94Ah

Used to own:
2001 Renault Matra Grand Espace "The Race" V6 24v
1997 Renault Matra Espace 2.0 8V
1987 Renault Matra Espace J11 2.2
Alfistipohjoosesta
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« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2011, 06:37:27 pm »

I added alternative repaired in link.
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Renault Grand Espace V6 24v, 1999.
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José V. Gavilá
Full Member
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Posts: 97


1999 Espace 3.0 V6 24V


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« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2011, 10:48:33 am »

Well, just a short update... I bought the pump (BOSCH) from an online car parts seller. I got it in a week or so anf then took the Espace to the mechanic. They replaced it and charged just 50 EUR for the job  Shocked

Definitely worth the money!

Best regards and Merry Christmas,

JOSE

PS: I kept the old one, just in case I decide to try to fix it  Wink
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JOSE V. GAVILA
La Canyada (Valencia)
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http://jvgavila.com
Anders Dinsen
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« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2011, 05:49:05 pm »

Hooray! Great to hear you're running again, Jose!
And it's a great mechanic you have there!  Smiley

/Anders
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1982 Talbot Matra Murena 2.2 prep 142
2017 BMW i3 "Charged Professional" 94Ah

Used to own:
2001 Renault Matra Grand Espace "The Race" V6 24v
1997 Renault Matra Espace 2.0 8V
1987 Renault Matra Espace J11 2.2
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