Fuel leaking onto exhaust manifold.

Yet another problem with our Windfart. My daughter started it up last night and was going to the store. She came back in saying the van was idling funny and she smelled gas.

I started it up and it was idling very rough, there was the check engine light flashing and there was also a strong smell of gas.

I checked it out this morning and found there was fuel seeping from under the valve cover near the radiator, and it was running onto the exhaust manifold. Its not a major leak but it is seeping and you can see it running onto the manifold.

It idles like it is missing. I assume there is a valve problem? Any ideas anyone? Thanks in advance.

We need more details here. Model year, engine size, etc. Closest fuel to the valve cover, on most vans, is the 4-5-6 cylinder bank fuel rail. That, or perhaps you've joined the wrong forum. I come here for help concerning my Wind "star".

Jetdoc
The Coach is on the right trail, I believe. Is it possible that you have a fuel leak on the fuel rail, perhaps an injector, and the fuel is tracking aroung the valve cover and then down the side (front) of the engine?

You might try using a hose or rigid plastic tube (such as a vacuum cleaner hose attachment) to listen to each injector to hear that they are all clicking the same.

Be careful, we talking a real fire potential here.

Its a 95, 3.8 litre. It sure seemed to be coming up from inside the valve cover, I looked around the sides of the valve cover and didn't notice anything leaking. I will double check it though, thanks. But if it were leaking from where you guys suggested then why do I have a rough idle, like its missing?

Your rough idle could be lack of fuel getting to a cyinder. Perhaps you have a "broken" injector that is not putting fuel in the intake but is just leaking it to the outside world. You may low fuel pressure too.

Have you read the codes? This culd be helpful but in your case I would correct the fuel leak before worrying about anything else.

I agree with 12Ounce and the coach. The fuel rail rail runs along the top of the valve covers. I would suspect a leak somewhere in the fuel system. I am not sure if a valve could even cause the problem. If you have a missing valve and valve stem the airflow woulf be from outside to inside and thus nothing should leak to the outside world.

Thanks guys, I thought about a leaking fuel problem as causing the miss. I was very busy yesterday and couldn't check out the problem too much but will today after work. Again thanks for the tips!

It looks like the plenum has to come off to get access to the fuel rail or injectors even. That looks like lots of fun. Has anyone removed the plenum?

I have a '96 with the big black upper intake manifold.....I believe the '95 has an aluminum one.....

Visit... www.autozone.com

and go to vehicle specific repair information

They have pictures....and instructions on how to do a lot of repairs.....including the removal....and proper reinstallation of the upper intake manifold

Cool, thanks wiswind I'll give it a try.

Cool, thanks wiswind I'll give it a try.
I have the same fuel leak on my 95 Windstar. If you find the problem and the solution, please post it, it would be greatly appreciated.