[NeedzRehab]

I have a 2001 F250 Super Duty with a 7.3L Powerstroke. A few days ago, I noticed a really bad fuel leak coming from the passenger side below the exhaust. I figured it was just the fuel line return had gone bad, so I replaced that. Started it up again, and still leaking. So I figured maybe it was the water drain valve on the fuel bowl. I replaced that. It's still leaking the same amount.

There is no fuel pooling up in the engine valley. When I give it some gas, the leak gets much worse. I don't know if it's the fuel pump or the injector pump or what, but it's driving me crazy that I can't find this leak. Anyone have any ideas?

Also, this is my first time posting here so I apologize if I've done something incorrectly. Let me know and I'll change it. TIA.

 

[klhansen]

Was it the line that runs under the turbo to the back of the head on the passenger side that you replaced? If so, did you use a new rubber ferrule in the connections? The fitting on the back of the head has a tapered thread and if overtightened, could crack the head.
Where exactly is the leak?
BTW, you did fine on the post.

 

[jleedog]

Also just because you replaced the drain valve doesn't mean that it's still not leaking there. You have to replace the o rings and remove all the residue from the old ones when you do that work. You have to be able to see where the fuel is coming from. Get a good light and a friend to help.

 

[NeedzRehab]

Was it the line that runs under the turbo to the back of the head on the passenger side that you replaced? If so, did you use a new rubber ferrule in the connections? The fitting on the back of the head has a tapered thread and if overtightened, could crack the head.
Where exactly is the leak?
BTW, you did fine on the post.

Yes there was a new rubber ferrule in the connector. I don't think I over-tightened it though because I put one of those little mirror extender things down there to see if I could see a leak there and then I put it directly under it and there was no fuel leaking on it at all. I'm about 99% sure it's not there.

I really have no idea where the leak is. If I could afford to take it to a mechanic I would. As best as I can tell when I crawl under the passenger side door I can see it leaking down from the exhaust because it steams right there, but I can't tell where from above that because I can't see above there.

 

[NeedzRehab]

Also just because you replaced the drain valve doesn't mean that it's still not leaking there. You have to replace the o rings and remove all the residue from the old ones when you do that work. You have to be able to see where the fuel is coming from. Get a good light and a friend to help.

The new drain valve came with new O-rings pre-installed on it, and I took some steel wool and rubbed it over the fittings to remove all the old stuff from it.

I have a good light, but my wife can't help because we have a newborn she has to watch and we just moved here two weeks ago so we don't know anyone yet. I suppose it's as good a time as any to get to know my neighbors, but it is weird asking for their help when first meeting them.

I should also mention this is the first time I've ever worked on the engine of any vehicle, let alone a diesel. I've been watching YouTube videos which is how I figured out how to do what I have so far (reattaching that fuel line return almost made me quit with how hard that was).

 

[jleedog]

What's your location? Maybe someone in the group can help.

 

[NeedzRehab]

What's your location? Maybe someone in the group can help.

I don't have a lot of money to spend on a mechanic, but I live in Placerville, CA.