Ninety five percentage of the Forester's factory fuel lines are hard metal lines. With the last five percentage being rubber line connections that run under the intake manifold, another on the outside of the intake manifold near the fuel pressure regulator and and behind the A/C compressor. The most likely and difficult culprit of the fuel smell/leak is the two rubber lines that run under the turbo inlet. Removal of the intake manifold is necessary and here is a DIY on removing the intake manifold!

Time Frame

As stated above the removal of the intake manifold is necessary to this repair. And if you aren’t aware this is very time intensive project. Most first timers will need at least 2 hours plus for this, so tack another 30 minutes on for the fuel line repair. If you are grizzled veteran of the manifold like myself, it may take you a little less than an hour.