so ive been smelling gas in my car when i have the heater on. i check the pd tonight and popped the plastic cap off. the screw just fell out. i dont know if its broken or what, but i couldnt see where it fell too, its probably lost forever . the car was running about 2 hours ago. when i checked it, there was no evidence of fuel leaking out, although when i popped the hood it did smell a little gassy and the plastic cap smells like gas.

is it busted or can i just get another screw and screw it back in, how do i know if the rubber diaphragm is busted? if i end up needing to get a new pd (****, i need a job so bad!), is it something i can replace myself? if not, is it safe to bring to a non rotary experienced mechanic? if i end up having to bring it to a mechanic, is it safe to drive it there with no screw in?

thanks so much for your responses!

 

You can try to find the screw and screw it back in (don't tighten it to where it's very tight) with some sealant on it. If it won't stay in place or tigthen at all, then replace it. It can be done on your own, you just have to remove the upper intake manifold and replace the gaskets, not very hard at all.

 

First thing: Do not drive this car until you get the PD replaced. Having said that...

I would definately not try to repair it with old parts. Just go down to the local Mazda dealership and get a replacement. I believe you can also get a replacement off of www.mazdatrix.com

You can do the job yourself although I would recommend you get someone that is experienced with the procedure to do it for you. Having fuel sprayed all over a hot engine is not something that you want happening.

 

thanks, i just hope i can find that friggin screw!

 

how can i be sure that i need a new PD?

 

Why chance it? These cars are old and that part is known to fail. I am just telling you what I would do if I were in your situation. I know money can be issue, but it will be an even bigger issue if you repair it, it fails, and it catches your engine on fire. Just my thoughts...

 

since pds and fuel injection are not exclusive to rotaries, should a reg mechanic be able to do it no problem? i dont know anyone around here that could do it for me.

 

bump

 

Yeah, any mechanic should be able to repalce a PD on a non-turbo S4 car without even batting an eye.

Heck you can almost replace it without even removing the UIM.