My HFCM is leaking like a sieve...........any opinions, PLEASE?!? - Diesel Forum

woodsracer · 03-07-2005, 02:34 PM

The title says it all....my HFCM is leaking rather badly---started this weekend. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] 29K on the clock and no real problems until this......it leaks badly enough that if I park the truck overnight, there is a circle of fuel on the ground about 8-10 inches in diameter......each night. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I have checked the filter caps and they look clean as a whistle, I also rechecked the torque of the fuel drain plug and it is TIGHT, as well as the fuel lines looking clean and tight.

I am at a loss, has anyone else had a problem with their HFCM leaking. This leak, unlike my rear main (which is more like an oil coating), is REALLY A LEAK!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]

Any thing I can do besides going to the stealer? Any help or opinions would be appreciated. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

4x4Mark · 03-07-2005, 02:55 PM

Not sure it will help, but I had a problem once:

First time I drained my HFCM, I backed the plug out part way, let it drain, then screwed it back in. It leaked.

My problem was that in doing a partial removal and reinstall of the plug, I pinched and cut the o-ring. I took it all the way out, and ensured it went back in properly - leak stopped. I've since replaced the o-ring too.

Now, I always remove, inspect, and clean the plug when I drain the HFCM.

Good luck with yours.

Mark

Gibbsey · 03-07-2005, 09:19 PM

Had the same problem, try taking the plug out cleaning and re-installing, it solved my leak right away.

POS · 03-07-2005, 09:22 PM

That's your only choice - take it apart, clean it a bit, then carefully put it back together. I bet your pinching an o-ring.

roofeditor · 03-08-2005, 06:44 AM

[ QUOTE ]
That's your only choice - take it apart, clean it a bit, then carefully put it back together. I bet your pinching an o-ring.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here, pinched/cut O-ring!!

tincan · 03-08-2005, 09:52 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
That's your only choice - take it apart, clean it a bit, then carefully put it back together. I bet your pinching an o-ring.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here, pinched/cut O-ring!!

[/ QUOTE ]
Been here, done that. Replace the O ring.
Tincan

woodsracer · 03-08-2005, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the responses. Funny thing is that it has been about 5000 miles since I changed the filters and drained it all........and it took THIS LONG to start leaking?!? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] I'll give her a shot before I go into work and see if I can't get it straightened out.

BTW, does anyone know the correct O-ring replacement size if I need another? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Thanks again......I appreciate it!
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

4x4Mark · 03-08-2005, 01:31 PM

Not sure on the size. I tried getting it from Ford, and had to buy the plug with the o-ring. It wasn't too much, but can't remember the exact price. Now, I've got an extra plug just in case (with a cut o-ring) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

TexasTruck · 03-08-2005, 02:50 PM

You say that you really tightened the plug, maybe you overtighten it and now it cracked, that's been known to happen to the casting...

Just my .02

Scott

woodsracer · 03-09-2005, 02:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
You say that you really tightened the plug, maybe you overtighten it and now it cracked, that's been known to happen to the casting...

Just my .02

Scott

[/ QUOTE ]

Scott, that's an idea, BUT I can assure you that that I didn't overtighten it. I "snugged" it tight. I tighten screws in aluminum all the time when working on my race quad so I have a "handle" on how not to over tighten in aluminum. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

I betcha anything that I cut that darned O-ring! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Just truly odd that it's taken THIS LONG to start to leak. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

roofeditor · 03-09-2005, 06:32 AM

[ QUOTE ]
You say that you really tightened the plug, maybe you overtighten it and now it cracked, that's been known to happen to the casting...

Just my .02

Scott

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't even go there!

TexasTruck · 03-09-2005, 07:44 AM

woodsracer,

Yeah that's strange... I hate leaks... Liquids find their way out anyway they can [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

As others said already, I take mine completely out and wipe the plug and openning out after it stops.

Scott

maps6874 · 03-09-2005, 12:23 PM

Thanks for the heads up on that one. I have drained it twice without removing the plug completely. Next time I will completely remove it to avoid cutting the o-ring. I love this site! Thanks guys.

warrenpouyer · 03-09-2005, 05:25 PM

As I mentioned in another post about replacing oil filter O-Rings,
I cut the O-Ring on the frame rail mounted HFCM housing and was fortunate enough to see it and changed it before it caused a leak.

Did I remember to say: I really hate O-Rings...

I lost a motorcycle road race many years ago because of a brake system
leak caused by a lousy .50c O-Ring!

I too have learned everything I know about my Diesel on this site.

It was very satisfying to prove my know-it-all brother-in-law when he tried to tell me about "My Junk Diesel Engine" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Regards
JR44