leaky fuel distributor

[mr.cottontail]

hello,
i have a 78 Rabbit which i'm currently having problems with passing the visual inspection of the smog test due to my leaking fuel distributor. i have gone around to some shops for advice, and the response i usually get is im just going to have to replace the whole thing. unfortunately, im really not that car savvy, and im hoping its just something i can fix by taking it apart and cleaning it. (maybe replacing an o-ring or gasket?) if i could get any advice it would be greatlly appreciated. thanks

[stevethefolkie]

where's it leaking from? the fuel lines attache with banjo fittings (the bolts have holes in them which pass the fuel to the lines - the lines have a machined end on them - the "banjo" through which the hollow bolts pass) - those bolts use a compression washer (brasss, copper or other soft metal) to seal them - if it's leaking from one of those fittings - just carefully remove the offending bolt, remove the compression washers (there should be two, one between the banjo fitting and the body of the fuel distributor, one between the banjo fitting and the head of the hollow bolt), install new compression washers and carefully re-install and tighten the bolt. I cannot stress "carefully" enough - the bolts - being hollow - don't appreciate a lot of torque being applied to them. Be careful when you start to thread the bolt in - you've putting a steel threaded fitting into a fairly soft aluminum hole - if you cross the threads the bolt won't be straight and the compression washers will not seal -

If it's leaking from one of the fuel lines or from a cracked banjo fitting - replace the offending line.

Best of luck

Steve

[mr.cottontail]

thanks, i really appreciate the help. i did what you said, but that still didn't stop the leak!


so if anyone can point me in the direction of where i may find one or even has an extra one lying around and are willing to sell it, would be extremely helpful!!!

thanks.

[stevethefolkie]

they're quite generic - MK1 and MK2's should interchange - so most junkyards - er - automotive recycling centers - should be able to come up with at least one -

By the way - where is the leak coming from?

Steve