Well my 88 has been smelling like diesel leaking for a bit and I finally got time to figure it out. I determined it was the infamous fuel heater leak.

I took it apart, replaced the single O-ring. Thought that would be the end of my repairs. Put a new fuel filter on while having fun. Reassembled and started truck to find still leaking.

This time I spent a bit more time to analyze where leaking, and it was the electrical connection. Leaking up through the plug, not around the outer O-ring. Since I don't live where it gets any less than single digits, I decided rather than buying a new overpriced heater element, just remove heater element and tap with 1/2 NPT and put a plug.

Drain filter again, remove top of fuel filter again. Remove the heater and the remaining hole is just right to tap for 1/2 NPT. No drilling required, the tap starts easily. Installed pipe plug, put a large washer and the metal disc back in to simulate the thickness of the heater so threads for the filter are in right location. Put all back on truck again and this time no leaks.

Eliminating the heater does not seem to be a problem for my climate, plus fuel here is the winter blend. My tractor does not have any heater and it starts and runs fine, no fuel gelling issues. I left the wire there just in case at later date I want to get a new fuel filter top to be able to have a heater, but I do not see that need anytime soon.

If the new O-ring had fixed the problem I would have left the heater. However since mine was leaking through the electrical connector, adios heater.

 

There should of been 2 oring's there was in mine. Hmmm....

 

I just used a bit of super glue in there. Literally filled the terminal "bowl". Works like a charm!

 

same thing with jbweld. hasnt leaked for years now.