Hello,
I own a 97 2.5 with 110,000 miles....runs excellent, always put premium, oil changes, seems like a great running car..... 20 MINUTES AGO I JUST STARTED IT UP.....IT WAS COLD, SO I LET IT IDLE.....10 SECONDS IDLING AND IT REVS DOWN AND UP JUST A LITTLE (SEEMED LIKE IT WAS COLD) THE NEXT THING I KNOW ...SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF THE HOOD AND FIRE NEAR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND BREATHER TUBE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC, SAYS IT WAS MAYBE A LEAF OR SOMETHING EXTERNAL LIKE THAT.... WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK??? THE BREATHER TUBE DOES SHOW THE FIRE WAS ON IT. STARTS FINE, RUNS FINE....... IT HAS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG IN THERE???

 

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might be a leaf.

Anything done to the car recently? Kind of need more details.

 

Hello,
2 weeks ago- regular oil change- lube
2 months ago- new brake rotors
1 year ago- new radiator
8 months ago- new starter

That is pretty much the history. I appreciate your help.

 

The new starter may have resulted in removal of the fuel injection manifold and you could have a leak in the fuel manifold or connection. Fuel leaks should be indicated by strong smell of gas after shutdown.

good luck

 

I will check and see if I smell anything...the mechanic says the injectors are good and not leaking (first thing he checked). There is a glue llike smell in the interior from time to time , but has recently went away...anything??? Thanks!

 

You have to remove the fuel manifold to replace the starter?? Good grief!

 

^^dude, where you been? lol

 

Can the fuel regulator have leaked? Is this possible, it does not seem common?

I ask this because the fuel regulator is directly above where the fire was (there are also flame marks on the tubing and on the manifold's aluminum.

Thank you for helping.

 

It's possible. The regulator diaphragm can rupture and allow fuel to be sucked out usually directly into the vacuum reference line and into the intake manifold.

More likely is a leaking oring or crush washer seal. A small fuel leak can be difficult to locate on a warm engine. The fuel will vaporize almost instantly leaving no stream to observe. I would turn keyswitch to ON, but don't start on a cold engine. This should generate enough fuel pressure to cause the leak. You may need to turn off and on again to maintain fuel pressure as pump cuts off after 3 secs if ignition is not turned to start position.

good luck

 

I tried what you said Texas and no leaks. IM STUMPED! Thanks for the help.