Fuel leak on a 3.0d - Help needed

[PhilUK]

Hi all,

Have been smelling diesel in the cabin for a little while. Seems to worse at standstill.

It wasn't until it rained the other day that I noticed a beautiful rainbow spread across my tarmac driveway after the wife took the car out which made me realise it's time to get this sorted. 

I can only presume that the leak is more than likely from a fuel line under the bonnet but I have no idea where to look.

Any pointers will be much appreciated. 

Cheers

[Black X5]

First port of call would be to check the fuel lines on the fuel filter (RH side as looking into the engine bay from the front).  On my E53 I changed all the original spring- clips to jubilee clips. The spring clips I see as single use- once they are squeezed/ released they lose some of their tension.

Also you have the webasto unit nearby- again check all fuel lines to that.

If all here is well chances are it is a split flow or return line. (May have been rubbing against something and worn through- especially if the car has work done to disturb them and they have not been correctly clipped/ routed)

[X5Sport]

As above and possibly take the engine cover off (5 screws) so that you can see more of the fuel rails etc and have easier access.

Screws marked in yellow......



Richard

[Black X5]

[quote="X5Sport"]
As above and possibly take the engine cover off (5 screws) so that you can see more of the fuel rails etc and have easier access.

Richard
[/quote]
Oops forgot about the injectors! Thanks Richard!

[PhilUK]

Thanks Chaps. Will have a look at those points tonight.

What's the easiest method of checking, I'm guessing to just start the car and look for any fluid escaping?

If all is ok with the injectors and with the pipes at the filter and Webasto where should i look to check the flow/return lines?

[X5Sport]

If no obvious signs of fuel staining.....which there should be.....then look under the car too.

This is the 'cover removed' view.  There is one fuel line visible in the back left corner (straw coloured).  The injectors and fuel rail pipework (underneath the air intake trunking) are silver coloured in this view.



Richard