Well, today was supposed to be the day I fired up our 81 245 DL after six long months of junkyard hunting, repairs, and upgrades.

Upon hearing the fuel pump buzz, but before firing up, I went around under the hood and could smell and see fuel leaking. It seems to be mainly coming from the control pressure regulator fittings at the regulator (in a big way), and where the cold start injector connects to the fuel distribution block.

The funny thing is, these are the connections I didn't touch, bump, loosen, etc. during my work. The connections I did take off, and later replace with new crush washers, including the individual injectors and the supply line, are all high and dry.

Is it possible for these copper gaskets to fail as a result of the car sitting for an extended period? Normal ambient heat-and-cold cycles, perhaps? And if so, should I just try to tighten down, or replace with new washers? Some of these fittings are a pain to access with the intake mainfold now re-installed.

My self-satisfied look from last night is rapidly disappearing...

Thanks,
Greg