I purchased a 1999 f350 7.3 and it has been great but recently it has been leaking fuel the leak is somewhere underneath at the rear of the motor and when i start it it will fire and run for a bit and die i have to do this a few times before it will stay running and even then while driving it will get sloggish and bog down if i pump the fuel peddal it will kick back up any advise would be a huge help

 

Welcome to FTE! The problem (the fuel leak) is, more than likely, from up above (in the engine valley). On the front of the engine, up top, is a canister which contains the fuel filter. My guess is that the water drain valve or the fuel line connection is leaking. You can clean this area up real good and then start and observe the leak (you might be able to spot the leak with a good bright light). The fuel runs to the back of the valley, where there is a space which allows the fuel to run down to the bottom of the rear of the engine. Riffraff diesel or Dieselorings.com (your Ford stealership might have them too) will have the seals you need. Fix this first, then the poor running can be dealt with.

 

would the fuel filter our hose still leak after the truck is shut off. it only does for a short time after i shut the truck off it is worse when the truck is running

 

Yup... the nice thing is, you can get it to leak with the engine off. I say "nice" because it's easier to find a leak by looking around a still engine. Every time you cycle the key from "Off" to "Run" (not "Start"), you run the pump about 10 seconds. There's a yellow valve on the passenger side of the fuel bowl (big round thing in the middle of the motor). That valve may be open or leaking. Another place to look is at the fuel tube on the passenger side, under the turbo system. There is a line clamp there that sometimes rubs through the fuel line.

 

thankyou very much i went out and looks and the valley below the fuel bowl is full of diesel so that has to be it the only other question i have is if its leaking bad enough would it cause the fuel pump to not stay primed.

 

You are certainly losing fuel pressure, which can affect driveability.

 

thankyou and i have to say this forum is awsome its truly the best one ive ever seen thank you so much guys

 

Thanks for that...we know it is !! PLEASE advise your progress on this problem to this thread. It will then be helpful to others in the future.

 

Another happy "customer".