About a month ago I started noticing a fuel smell in my garage. I first thought it was coming from an old gas can I have stored there, but the smell continued even after I removed it. I've since come to realize that it'* actually my '98 SSEI that'* sprung a leak. I got it up on ramps today and found where the leak is coming from. Please look at the attached pictures -- when I press towards the gas tank connection on the shiny rubber tube fuel starts coming out around the grey plastic connector, next to the blue nubby-looking thing that I assume is holding the piece to the gas tank.

So, what do I need to replace here and what is this part called? How do you go about disassembling this? I'm still a noob at all of this...

Thanks!



Here'* my car -- all stock -- simply because I can.



If you want a closer look at the problem, the following is a larger ~2mb file of the picture above:

http://ziese.d2g.com/bonneville/fuellineproblemlg.jpg

That "grey plastic connector" is the fuel line quick disconnect. It looks pretty grungy. Before replacing anything I would depressurize the fuel system, disconnect it and clean it really good. Maybe that will cure your problem. Try the easiest option first.

Two questions then. How do I depressurize the fuel system and how do I disconnect that quick disconnecter?

To disconnect the connector, you push the "grey" part towards the "shiny" part, push in the clips on the "blue" part, then pull the "grey" part off the "shiny" part.

After the car has been off overnight, press the valve on the fuel rail to be sure. If the rust has attacked the mating surfaces of the seal, you've had moisture in your tank. You may want to consider changing the fuel filter and removing your fuel injectors for a thorough cleaning.

If the cars been running for a while to relieve the pressure, it isn't a good idea to use the bleed valve. Instead, pull out the fuel pump fuse and start the car. It'll sputter out right away. That way you won't get fuel all over a nice and hot engine.
After you clean up the connector, if it'* still leaking, you can always cut the line and just use 2 hose clamps to hold it in place (might need a small chunk of fuel hose to make it reach, but use two clamps on each end then to make sure it won't come off.
I would replace the fuel filter too, because chances are it'* never been replaced and you might as well do it while you got the car up anyways.
Good luck.

Alright, thanks. Before I try this, let me make sure I've got it all.

1) I'm going to want to make sure the system is depressurized by either pressing a valve on the fuel rail (not exactly sure where that is) or by pulling the fuel pump fuse and trying to start the car.
2) Disconnect the offending quick disconnector and clean up the rust and crap that'* probably causing the leak.
3) Replace at least the fuel filter (I can get these at an auto store?) -- where is this located exactly?
4) If problem persists glorkar is suggesting that I rig up my own connection instead of something else -- like replacing the tank...?

The moisture in the tank thing most likely explains the extra cranking it'* been doing on cold starts...makes sense.

1) Yes. The valve looks like a bike tire air valve, it'* on the top of the engine. Follow the black hoses with the big "Caution - Fuel" sticker to the engine, That'll get you into the area.
2) Use the least abrasive method you can to remove whatever gunk in there.
3) Follow the fuel lines to the front of the car, I think its right behind the passenger side front wheel. AutoZone, Advance and the like should have one in stock.
4) Don't worry about that just yet. Step at a time.

I'll be trying this tomorrow. I went down though and looked for that valve but could not find it. I've attached a picture where I've circled the "caution fuel" hoses in black. The only things that I can see offhand that match your description are on the left, circled in white. These appear to be related to the cooling system though and not the fuel system...? Do I need to remove the plastic "Supercharged" cover?

Yup. Remove the Fuel Injector Rail Sight Sheild. The screw on the top, I think you have to take the oil filler cap out too. You've got the right lines, The Schreader valve is on the Fuel Rail, The metal lines on the motor.

The black cap on the silver line in the white circle is for the A/C. I assume the other white circle is part of the same system.