Pre Driving Check Found Gas Leak in Carb 308 | FerrariChat
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Pre Driving Check Found Gas Leak in Carb 308

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by RBV24961, Mar 9, 2007.

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  1. RBV24961

    RBV24961 Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    290
    Rye, New York
    #1 RBV24961, Mar 9, 2007
    Last evening, I was going to bring my 1978 GTS home after an emergency evacuation to my girlfriends house during last Fridays flood, when disaster was avoided due to my pre driving check tradition. Everytime I coldstart my car, I always pop the engine cover and visually inspect the fuel lines and such while it's warming up in the driveway. Well, last evening as I took a look around the undercarriage while the car was running, I noticed small drops of gas comming from above in front of the passenger side rear tire and immeadiately shut the car off and pushed it back into the garage.

    I really want to thank all the knowledgeable individuals on Fchat who are always sending out warnings and reccomendations as my Traditional Visual Inspection may have saved my beloved Ferrari. All I could think of was that Yellow GTB at the gas station video clip sent around a few times on Fchat.

    In addition, my insurance company (Hagerty Collectible) is picking up the car today and has been really helpful. Owning my car for the past year has been an absolute joy in every way.
     
  2. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,386
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #2 BigTex, Mar 9, 2007
    Good to hear, brudda!!!!!!

    Had the same issue myself recently..........glad you noticed it. Usually the smell will also give it away. but you are right..a little preflight scrutiny is always a good idea!
     
  3. RBV24961

    RBV24961 Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    290
    Rye, New York
    #3 RBV24961, Mar 9, 2007
    You said it !

    I actually didn't notice the smell at all as the car always seems to smell of gas a little bit. All the fuel lines will be replaced.
     
  4. jwise

    jwise Formula Junior

    Apr 2, 2003
    781
    Portland Maine
    #4 jwise, Mar 9, 2007
    I do the same thing with my QV. I just look and feel around at all the fuel connections while she warms up. I glance at the vac lines at the same time. Gives a little peace of mind, if nothing else- and only takes a minute.
     
  5. RBV24961

    RBV24961 Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    290
    Rye, New York
    #5 RBV24961, Mar 9, 2007
    Well said! Nice looking QV!
     
  6. spiderseeker

    spiderseeker Formula 3

    Jul 22, 2005
    1,718
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #6 spiderseeker, Mar 9, 2007
    I do the same with my QV as well. Even though it's not a carb car, it's a good idea. Maybe we can prevent any more toasted Ferraris, if we can get everyone to do it.
    It's funny that BigTex used the term "preflight" , I often feel like it's preflight in a plane, warm-up, checking the gauges before leaving, checking for anything unusual in the engine compartment etc.
     
  7. tvine

    tvine Formula Junior

    Jul 19, 2006
    270
    Cadillac, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Tom Vine
    #7 tvine, Mar 9, 2007
    Good idea! I had a leak last summer that was hidden by the air cleaner housing. I noticed drops on the garage floor as I backed out and investigated to find a fuel hose leaking at the clamp. I guess it pays to keep the floor clean.
     
  8. chrismorse

    chrismorse Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2004
    2,150
    way north california
    Full Name:
    chris morse
    #8 chrismorse, Mar 9, 2007
    Guys,


    As a retired service manager, (for such prestigious vehicles as FIAT and cadillac), I find it unaccceptable to not trust your car - to feel that you can not go out and start it up and go.

    Good preventative maintenance, i.e. replace all fuel hoses at 4 or 5 year intervals regardless of mileage, EVEN the whimpy evaporative hoses, the fuel filler neck and cross over pipe hoses.

    When i got my car, it had a few new hoses and a bunch of soggy leaking cloth covered junk.

    If you love your car, just replace this stuff, on a regular basis, upgrading where possible.

    End of rant :)

    On a more caring note, still check, a float could develope a pin hole and sink letting a lot of fuel flood into the engine, a carb fiting could fatigue from all of the 8000 rpm shifts.

    Fuel injection hoses are no less susceptible.

    Oil is combustible if enough leaks on the exhaust, poof, there goes Pierre's mustach.

    Do the maintenance, you will sleep better - better yet find a good mechanic or do it yourself - you will feel better about the car.

    good night all,
    chris
     

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