thanks for the reply CharlesY is there a sure way of knowing weather its the copper washers or not?? when would i know the need arises?? did your symptoms get better when the engine warmed up?? ails is it a big job doing the washers?? thanks
There isn't really any way to tell.
The fuel pump and filter make a louder more squealy noise if there is air or gas in the fuel, as happens when a washer is leaking. The fuel filter is supposed to separate air and return it to the tank, but this is not able to cope with a lot of gas and air. The pump and filter will hardly make a sound when there's no gas/air in the fuel.
Also, if there is gas or air in the fuel system such as gas from a leaking copper washer, the engine becomes VERY difficult to start, but once started it seems to run well enough, though the engine will probably be down on power and running on four cylinders.
The job LOOKS enormous, but isn't really. There are several good threads in LZ about it.
If it was MY car I would re-torque the injector clamps soon, and see if that helps. They are Torx bolts set to 32 Nm (24 lbf.ft).
Whip the lid off the engine and have a look inside. NEAT!
Get a clicking torque spanner and set it to about 35 Nm or 26 lbf.ft, just a little more than standard.
LOOSEN the first injector clamp torx by about a quarter turn (not as much as half a turn), then in ONE continuous slow steady move, torque it back up till the spanner clicks.
Do them all like that.
Put the lid back on, and be careful with the sealing ring at the half-moon bit at the back.
You never know, it might help, but even if it doesn't, at least you now know what the insides of the engine looks like, and it won't be so scary next time.
Charles
