Hi all,

92 RS 3.1 MPFI

I have a leak in my fuel line. It is coming out of the bottom of the cylinder (see attached picture) in the fuel line located under the throttle body. It's a pretty consistent drip.

Can anyone tell me what that cylinder is? Has anyone else had a leak there? It looks like (if no one has an easier fix) I'd have to replace that whole section of the fuel line. It's all one metal piece that starts to the right of the air conditioning compressor, goes under the throttle body, and then leads under the intake manifold to the back side of the engine near the firewall.

Thank you for your input.

Best guess is it's probably a pulse dampener. Never seen one leak. I'd make sure it's actually leaking from there, and not leaking somewhere else and just running and dripping there.

I've got the entire fuel line assembly off a 3.1 laying in the garage. If you decide to replace it, send me a PM.

And I think you're right, Drew. Upon further inspection, I'm pretty sure the leak is coming from the fuel line going into the right side of the metal cylinder. I might try some JB weld.

Earlier V6 third gens do not have that component , were this mine I think I'd try eliminating it alltogether and see how it runs before I resorted to gluing something fuel system wise back together with JB weld* . I'm not sure what problem or running issue that device is supposed to cure , but all the V6 engines before and up to 1989 didn't have it and they all seemed to run as good as any other V6 .

* JB weld is great stuff , but since we are talking fuel leak I think I'd pass on using it here .....

Thanks for the reply OrangeBird.

Well, JB weld didn't work anyway (still a slow, steady leak). I went to a salvage yard and found a 2.8 L Camaro and took the fuel line from it. (And you're right, didn't have that cylinder piece.)

I'll install it today. I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm still very curious, though. What is that?

I honestly have no idea and I think Drew's idea of a pulse dampener makes the most sense . If Drew's spare fuel system has one then we know it's a factory part , but if Drew's 3.1 fuel assembly doesn't have it maybe it's one of those aftermarket "fuel saver" things that don't actually save any fuel ?

I am only suspicious because I've seen a bunch of these 60 degree V6 engines and I can't ever recall seeing that part . If the 89 plumbing you got fits , works , and don't leak , by all means run it and I'll bet it runs just as good with or without it , there is nothing presently dampening my fuel pulses and my lil V6 runs great

The mighty Orangebird 2.8 in all it's shiny clean glory .

Both of my 3.1L 91's have had the can. It's hard to guess exactly what GM was trying to accomplish, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. A lot of head scratchers like this are intended to resolve a subtle noise, or imperceptible issue. 25 years later it probably doesn't matter as much as the ability to run and drive without bursting into flames.

Very nice, and very clean. Is it auto or manual?

The can is a pulsation damper intended to lower fuel rail noise.

RBob.