There was a distinct diesel smell finding its way into the cab, especially when the truck was stopped and running. Washed off the engine and the odor was gone. In a few days I smelled diesel again and checked the fuel regulator and it was wet.

I decided to do the "blue spring upgrade" since I needed to replace the cover plate gasket. I ordered the 6E7Z-9C165-B kit from Riff Raff Diesel for $42.38 delivered to Texas by First Class mail in four days.

Upon receiving the kit I counted 9 small "O" rings, an "O" ring for the filter canister top and the spring and plunger. I dialed up a video by
Diesel Tech Ron Ford 6.0 powerstroke blue spring upgrade tips - YouTube
and the video made the installation clear and straightforward. Ron used the more expensive kit with the new cover but I did not need a cover and most people don't need it. The only things I needed were the blue spring, plunger, cover gasket, and the small "O" for the end of the fitting where the fuel line attaches. The other "O" rings were for the other fittings on the fuel regulator and the fuel canister top. My kit did not include a white jet in the top of the regulator or a seat for the plunger. My jet, seat, and plunger were pristine.

Not wanting more diesel on the engine, I emptied the fuel canister with a turkey baster, tucked a few paper towels under the regulator and followed the directions in the video. Afterwards, I sprayed a little Simple Green on the area around the regulator and hosed it off.

Results are as follows: There is no more leak. Fuel pressure is now 64-66PSI at idle and 60 MPH . It was 52-54PSI before. WOT throttle fuel pressure is around 62PSI. It was 50 PSI before. Time to do the entire installation was about one hour and I spent an additional 30 minutes cleaning up various components on the engine. I not sure if the engine runs any better but it is running very smoothly these days.

 

I just had the same issue--i didn't find any wet spots until I dd my oil change and sure enough--the regulator cover and surrounding area were wet. put the blue spring kit in and all is well--no more leak and no more diesel smell in the truck--life is good.