Diesel Down- Fuel Leak - Diesel Forum

seacow · 11-02-2009, 10:32 PM

Im at a loss right now, my pickup is down with a major fuel leak that I can seem to find. Right now fuel is dripping down at the rate it takes up a square foot area in bout 5 mins. The fuel is dripping down off the bell housing, starter, and then coming off the oil pan. Fuel filter is tight, the return lines are dry. The oil spot i can see where anything is wet is a little bit in the valley pan off the bottom of the ip. Not sure what to do and hoping someone's got some tribal knowledge in how to track down a fuel leak. Will post pics tomorrow so you can see where it is wet.

rsr911 · 11-02-2009, 11:26 PM

Is it misfiring? I've got a broken injector line right at the pump, filled the valley pan and drips about like that. Pull the air cleaner and look at the lines near the pump fittings. Mine squirts back and drips down the bellhousing. I've got a new line on the way for tomorrow.

ARIZHNT · 11-03-2009, 06:02 PM

Return line?

Snotzalot · 11-03-2009, 06:59 PM

There is a drain hole in the bottom of the IP, probably need a new pump.

thefred · 11-04-2009, 05:32 AM

I just dealt with this problem on my 88 7.3 IDI, my problem was that on the top of the injector....where the o ring and caps are. They are on top of the motor right on top of the injector..if you turn them a bit you will see what i mean. Under that cap is two o rings and they feed the fuel back to the tank....i got a injector installation kit...which came with all new rings...caps, clamps and fuel line....did that and that totally did the trick..no more fuel leak and i starts better in the morning. Be sure that when you put the caps on the top of the injectors you lubricate the ringswith diesel ...or diesel oil and put the cap on straight...if you put them slightly crooked you will cut the rong and have a leak...i made this mistake. Dont and i repeat dont go to ford because it will cost you twice as much to do the job.....also fairley easy to do if you take your time and go slow. Oh yeah and my fiel leak was exactly where yours is. Good luck keep us all posted on your findings. Also when you check for the fuel leak..take off the cleaner so that you can see all of the fiel lines behind it...the leak could not be at the cap but at the line itself..good luck.

seacow · 11-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Well had sometime to track it down and it appears to be a simple leak at the return line off the ip and the return line off the fuel filter. when its running you can see the fuel seep out almost as if it is coming through the line. Pics below should have taken them while it was running because then you really could have seen it. Wondering if the can of seafoam in put in the fuel filter when i changed it caused this seeing how it happened the following day. What is the quickest and cheapest way to fix, just some new fuel line? Where do people get the clear diesel grade fuel line. Can i just leave the clear on there and drive as normal. Kinda of a dumb question.

thefred · 11-08-2009, 04:38 PM

i would just replace it with brand new fuel line with a good clamp on it...nice and snug....take it for a ride then let it run in your drive way and check it out....as far as clear line i have never used it...so yeah i just buy new stuff and go from there....i actually jus replaced ALL fuel lines that are rubber and it seems to start and run better...im happy with it. Keep us posted in the fix!

oldschool2 · 11-26-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snotzalot

There is a drain hole in the bottom of the IP, probably need a new pump.

7.3 L Ford Diesel Fuel Injectors Fuel Pumps Accessories chepist place to get one

The FNG · 03-30-2010, 10:57 PM

I just got my 94 turbo IDI this past weekend. This morning while warming up my rig I noticed a fuel leak just like this. I took it to Ford and they told me my No. 7 injector was leaking and possibly a broken metal line. He quoted me $230 to fix the O-rings on the injectors

. Anyway, Some more help/description/links, etc would be nice. I'm new to the diesel world and I'm not too sure what IP is or where it is.

Thanks in advance.

Frayud · 03-31-2010, 12:13 AM

I'm no diesel mechanic either but I just did that job last weekend. Napa part number is DEM 7135276 for 36.99 and it took a week to get the parts in.

Start with number 3 to get your confidence up since it's easy to reach.

1. Use a 5/8" wrench to take the steel line loose.
2. Loosen the brackets that hold the lines together (7/16 wrench and socket)
3. Take the rubber fuel lines loose from the fitting.
4. Pull the steel line up out of the way a little and twist and pull on the fitting and it comes right off.
5. Remove the two O-rings
6. Install new O-rings
7. Lubricate the O-rings and stick it back together with new fuel line and clamps that are supplied with the kit.

Once you start on it you are probably committed to finishing it since every piece of fuel line will be old and cracked and won't seal up again once it's disturbed. The rubber fuel line is the way to go, mine is a 93 and the fuel lines still had gray paint on them from the factory so it lasted 17 years.

Evel486 · 03-31-2010, 02:15 AM

Easier way- loosen off all the high pressure lines from the injectors. Remove the clamps and pull the return lines from the filter, IP, and the tee at the rear driver's side. Pop all the caps free from the injectors. Lift each steel line enough to pull its' cap free of its' injector. Remove the return lines from the truck- you will have two pieces. Using these pieces as templates build your new ones. Install new o rings on the injectors, lube with petroleum jelly or grease. Installation of the return lines is reverse.
With the turbo application you may have to re-use the two T caps (or purchase separately) as they don't always come with the kit.