What is this and why is it leaking??

[Beauxsxm]

I just changed my fuel filter and now this thing is leaking. I rechecked the clamps and they are tight.
Any ideas on what it is and more importantly what to do about the leak??
Thanks
Beaux
'87 325ic

[Yurick]

Beau,
It appears to be a fuel pressure regulator. It is part of fuel delivery system and needs to be there, therefore, if it is leaking - get it replaced.

[jjskibinski]

The item you picture is a 'fuel dampener'. I don't really know the reason that has to be in the fuel line. I have an '84 318i that had all sorts of fuel flow issues in the past. The dampener was not one of the problems. I removed the two of these dampeners that were in different sections of the fuel line (one between the fuel pump and fuel filter as yours is pictured, and one between the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator). Nothing changed . Just for curiosity sake, I reapplied them to the fuel lines after resolving all my fuel flow,and clogged fuel filters (plural), and noticed no change.
The fuel pressure regulator is on the fuel rail that feeds the fuel injectors. One end of the pressure regulator fits into to fuel rail with an 'O' ring and the fuel line is connected to the regulator also.
Remove the questionable dampener being carefule not to take a fuel bath as you already know. and see what happens (nothing if the remainder of your fuel system is in order.
Hope this helps.
Jan

[crashthecar]

Fuel lines go hard and brittle with age. I replace my fuel filter over a month ago now and the front line from the filther to the engine just would not seal on to the new filter.
I replaced the rubber fuel hoses into and out of the filter and have had no further leaks.

You may have disturbed the hose when fitting your new filter, Fit some new lines and see how you go.
Even if you don't fix the leak it is one thing that you know is done and wont leave you stranded one day.
One of those things that should be on the maintanence lists but isn't.

[jase007]

The item you picture is a 'fuel dampener'. I don't really know the reason that has to be in the fuel line.

It is a pulse dampener from the older fuel pumps that can affect the FPR and the flow of fuel into the fuel rail where the injectors draw from. Here is a thread discussing it with someone who replaced their pump with a newer one.

Jase