Hello all. I am still struggling with the oil and coolant leaks - car is up on ramps, replaced o-ring to oil cooler. Plastic bleed valve at firewall won't tighten all the way down - feels like the plastic thread is stripped. So, since I had the car in the garage anyway I figured I'd change the plugs and the fuel filter. Now, when I go start it up it'll idle for about 5 seconds and then konk out. I tried to start it about 25 times and the same thing happens. I thought about a vapor lock when I was replacing the fuel filter - is this my problem? Oh yeah, still leaking oil & coolant (but that's for another day).

<img src="http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5375/img4673ah5.jpg">

Filter is in the right way - I'd have to be a magician to install it backwards.

Then you know the fuel filter is filled up, and you know you have a working fuel pump.

some folks do that as part of the process to relieve pressure in the fuel line.

Ah! Todd is back - what were you on vacation? I was waiting for you to check in on this. I did not remove the fuel pump fuse or relay - just replaced the filter. I think I'll just turn the key "on" and let the fuel pump do its thing before cranking next time and see if that helps. If not, I'll loosen outlet and see if fuel is flowing. Thanks.

So just loosen the outlet fitting about 1/2 a turn and crank until you see fuel spray.

It's only on for like a sec or so. I think that's what he means by turning the key over a few times.

It's always nice when it gives you a hint;-)

I did get "P0401" (along with P0302/P0304) is that helps...

OK - cracked the outlet side and let out a small burst of air/gas mix. Car starts and runs now (weird). Also, found my coolant leak - right at the small hose leading to the core after the heater valve/bleeder - I guess that's one mechanic I'll never use again. Now if I can pinpoint where my oil is leaking from I'll be a happy camper. Old o-ring to oil cooler was hard as a rock - thought for sure the new one would solve the problem but it didn't. The oil does drip down from that area though...

If you're facing the engine, and could look directly at the front of the A/C compressor; over at about 10 o'clock, you'd find the oil pressure switch screwed into the block. These love to leak.

You may be able to look at it using a mechanic's mirror and a flashlight.

I'd start by buying a couple cans of spray carb cleaner. Take the belly pan off. Throw some cardboard under the engine area (or park over you neighbors lawn....or driveway) and carb clean that whole area of the engine all the way up to the left valve cover gasket. Once it's clean and shiny, let it sit and run in the driveway for a half hour and periodically check for leaks. You'll find them.

Sometimes the let-it-run-in-the-driveway trick is better than going for a test drive, because in the driveway you don't have wind blowing the leaking oil all over the place.

OK - thanks. I should be able to check it out this weekend (luckily I have spare wheels to use in the interim). I'll let you know how I make out.