No hurtie! I'm new!

[ValkyrieZx2]

Qwik Qvestion about my 2000 Premium edition Zx2.

I know I have to replace my tie rod ends (note to self -no more sharp fast handbrake turns) this weekend and change my oil;

BUT - I have this fuel odor in my cabin and I can't figure out why - or where - it is coming from.

I clean my injectors with every second oil change (will do so this time around) and I JUST put new Bosch platinum hi-po plugs in her.

Tires need to be done, exhaust is allright, no engine light on.

Performance has taken a SLIGHT hit, but not enough to be noticed by anyone but me - since I drive her the most.

Perchance it could be a missed leak in the exhaust system and I'm just not seeing it? No smell of unburnt fuel in the exhaust vapor, filter and pump are all right. I only have 25, 500 miles on the car (and I am bitchin about having to drive her this winter).

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

"Red"

[zx2srdotnet]

auto or manual? clean the fuel filter or just the injectors?

[ValkyrieZx2]

Oh yeah *slaps self in head* Automatic. 0-60 in oh, 6.6 seconds if I stomp on it, dropping it down to D then (D) one I hit 3000 RPMs. *laughs evilly*

I checked the fuel filter, it's fine. The injectors were *JUST* cleaned about a month or two ago when I changed the oil.

I'm thinking it might be an exhaust thang. I AM up here in friggin Podunk and it has been a wet summer - and we all know how -sadly - Fords like to rust.

The raw gas smell is also prevalent in the trunk (boot) of the car. Perchance it's just a gasket...?

Red

[zx2srdotnet]

6.6? lol try 8's or 9's

[jeffcoslacker]

Check the fuel filter and vapor return hoses to the tank.

[ValkyrieZx2]

ahah , Zat all depends on ze drriver of ze car... and how one gaps ze sparrrk plugs!

I can just imagine how fast I would be if I had a standard instead of an automatic!

I run 89 octane in her with the plugs gapped in the dead middle of the manufacturer's gap range - when I stomped on her to test the 0-60, the whole front end lifted up and gave a twist before breaking free - just like my old '78 Caprice classic Landau sport coupe. Ah, the feeling...

Thinking of putting a cat-back on her and perhaps some cold induction once I can get her minor repairs done (tie rod end, mysterious gas smell - which I think has to do with exhaust. I crawled under it as far as I could without getting my boobs stuck and felt around while it was running - seems to be a bit of a leak just before the converter... agh.)

That SHOULD increase my HP from the standard buck-thirty to something a little more -er- respectable.

muwhahahah.

Red

[ValkyrieZx2]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

Check the fuel filter and vapor return hoses to the tank.

But would not that put up a code in the OBD? I checked and I had no codes.

I replaced the fuel filter not less than 3000 miles ago - did the recommended "three oil changes then fuel filter change" that my Ford-lovin mechanic hubby suggested. I should have HIM fix the friggin thing - get a lift from someone and have him look under the chassis.

Vapor return hoses.. hmmm. I'll have a look. I do have some undercarriage rust going on *mutters - damn cheap a** metal* so perhaps it's just a matter of replacing a few hoses.

I'm at my mechanical limits right now -need to flush the radiator, the auto-tranny and check the brakes -at 25,500 there's a LOT that needs to be done. New rims are on her menu sometime next year - replacing these special all-chrome ones is going to be a bit**.

Checked the fuel rail system last night - no leaks there - no leaks when I park. No leaks when I rev her.

With the loss of HP (by maybe 10-20 hp) and the gas/exhaust smell I am still leaning to an exhaust problem.

I'm changing her oil tomorrow meself, so I'll look again while I have her up on the ramps and see if I can find anything.

I'll let y'all know what it is when I find out - thanks for your help!

Red

[jeffcoslacker]

You might just have an exhaust leak, like you said. Small engines suffer noticeably from losses in back-pressure, particularly in low-end torque.

[ValkyrieZx2]

t'was the vapor return lines, thanks all - fixed it and it toasts Crapaliers to perfection every time! LOL..

Red

[zx2srdotnet]

Originally Posted by ValkyrieZx2

With the loss of HP (by maybe 10-20 hp)

automatic? more of a 35ish loss, the manuals have a 21-23 loss.

any luck with the leak?

[ValkyrieZx2]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

automatic? more of a 35ish loss, the manuals have a 21-23 loss.

any luck with the leak?

The vapor returns were a little loose, but nothing to cause the problem smell.

Call me a dumb chick. Really.

The smell came from an empty bottle of fuel injector cleaner that hubby had left under my seat. Bastard. :

Anywho, fixed that, fixed my tie-rods and got new front Touring BF Goodrich tyres. I was DANG lucky I didn't have a blow-out when I saw the shredded steel belts.


I found a grainy crappy pic of my car before her modifications.. Here she is in her glory...

- at a car show.

- with the dog - who never sits IN the car. LOL

Better pics once I can get some film developed and make them less than 80k..

Take care

+Red+

[zx2srdotnet]

my auto looked like that only with the swirlies, then when the tranny went at 20k i traded her on the s/t

[ValkyrieZx2]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

my auto looked like that only with the swirlies, then when the tranny went at 20k i traded her on the s/t

Yeh, I'm thinkin on new rims for her, since these chrome ones are starting to bubble and rot out on me.

Now of course, I have to check my air filter. I know Fords hate anything less than 10C or 50F, but this is ridiculous. I've lost significant mileage due to the cold weather (from 35 MPG to about 28-30 MPG highway). I added some DryGas and we'll see if that works.

But the HP is really good. Really really good. I can burn Crapaliers in no time flat. LOL.

Red

[zx2srdotnet]

just watch out for those z24's and ecotecs

[ZX2000]

bah... she'll learn the hard way... lol