Fuel leak

[cstall]

Started up my RS tonight since it's been sitting for about a month. After a few minutes, I began to smell gas and noticed fuel dripping from the right side. I pulled the plastics and found the leak was coming from one of the quick-connect fuel line connectors at the top of the tank - the black one. It's the one NOT going to the fuel filter.
I noticed that the connector fit loosely and didn't make a tight seal. Is this normal?
Can I just remove the quick-connect and clamp the fuel line directly to the male fitting on the fuel tank?
I wonder if this has anything to do with the flaming Spyders I've heard about...

 

[Tierhog]

Possibly the purge line?

 

[NancysToy]

That sounds like the vent line (without benefit of pictures or a more complete description), if you are talking about the hose at the top of the fuel tank and not the emissions canister. The vent line would be the one that runs to the emissions canister. If this is full of gas, your tank is probably overly full or you have a malfunction of the tipover valve. You do not need a clamp, you need to address the problem. First, I'd pull off the line and drain it. If gas is flowing out of the tank, siphon off some gas (careful, gas may come out of the tank when the cap is removed!), and see if the problem stops. If the gas tank is obviously not super full, the fuel pump/tank vent mechanism is probably faulty.

If you are talking about the other end of this hose, at the emissions canister, it is probably condensation of overflow from filling the tank too far. The emissions canister is also full, in that case, and should be replaced. Removing it, emptying it, and letting it air out for several days before refitting it will make it safe again, but it will no longer function for emissions. If this is the case, remember not to overfill the tank...especially before storage in a hot place. The gas in the tank can expand and overflow to the emissions canister.

 

[cstall]

More info

Here's a pic of where the fuel is leaking...
With the engine running, fuel will leak from this black connector. The connector doesn't fit tightly on the white male fitting - it's loose.
What is this line? I'll assume it's not the fuel supply to the engine. I believe the fuel supply is the other line - the one with the white connector. That white connector line goes to the fuel filter.
Is this simply a failure of the connector or is there a bigger problem?

 

[billybovine]

Looks like a return line to me.

Looks like a return line to me.

 

[Jeriatric]

Looks like a return line to me.

View attachment 52546

Yup. Fuel pump, pressure regulator, return line.

 

[billybovine]

Looks like you will need a new item 17. I don't know the model year for your RS but the part number for a 2012 model is 709000141.

 

[Jeriatric]

Can I just remove the quick-connect and clamp the fuel line directly to the male fitting on the fuel tank?

If you decide to do it that way, make sure to check how much slack the hose has. If not enough, you'll need more hose and a new Q/R fitting. Also, you may want to inspect the male portion. The problem could be there instead of it being the Q/R.

 

[billybovine]

If you decide to do it that way, make sure to check how much slack the hose has. If not enough, you'll need more hose and a new Q/R fitting. Also, you may want to inspect the male portion. The problem could be there instead of it being the Q/R.

:agree: If it is still under warranty have the dealer fix it right.

 

[NancysToy]

As was said, that is the fuel return line. That connector should not leak! Time to see a dealer.