Hi everyone,

I am new to Ford F-series, our ute has 70,000k's on the clock and has developed a slight oil leak, it appears to be a rear main bearing seal.

Although our mechanic has looked at it and claims the leak originates at the fuel pump and has recommended starting at this seal. He also says its a large job possibly 3 days work???

I want a second opinion but I'm unsure of where to go. Can someone recommend a decent mechanic with experience working on F-250's.

I live in western Sydney so closer to home would be good.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

Hey mate. What year ute do you have?

 

It's an 05 mate.

 

Also diesel 7.3

 

Ok. Sadly I don't have a good suggestion of a mechanic in the Sydney area, but there are probably some things you can do to check.

1. The 7.3's do leak at the rear main, but I suspect the leak isn't from there. It often drips down there, with the leak actually coming from the valley.
2. There are probably some good points in this recent thread that are relevant to you: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...3-removal.html The "fuel pump" (actually the High Pressure Oil Pump - HPOP) as suggested by your mechanic could also be leaking, but again, not likely.
3. Brian's suggestion in the above thread of the Exhaust Back Pressure Valve is the most likely culprit.
4. You are probably better served to try and work on the truck yourself where possible. In Melbourne, I'm lucky in that I think I have the only mechanic that knows these trucks, and is good, but to the best of my knowledge, all the people from other parts of the country haven't found someone that is better than their own skills + a bit of research on this site.

 

Thanks for your input, I'll do some homework on it and give it a good inspection on the weekend.

 

Hey m8. Adrian has got ya on the right track. Unfortunately you will be hard up finding a mechanic experienced with the 7.3. You will save your self a heap of money tracking it down your self. Give it a good clean and check the valve that Adrian suggested on the turbo pedestal. If you aint sure just ask.
Grab ya self a cold one and watch this

 

Thanks for the reply and video link. I will be having a good look this weekend. I did have a breif look last night and I have noticed fuel pooling in the valley of the engine and strangely on top of the fuel filter housing. I'm now hoping that it's just a fuel leak and it's just running down and picking up oil on the way. However the drops appearing around the trans sump feel thick and don't smell of diesel so potentially a fuel and oil leak which scares me.

 

don't be to scared, these things are not known for scary leaks just simple ones.

 

Mike, have you had the lid off the fuel bowl?
I ask because the last time I changed my filter I did not tighten
the lid properly and I had quite a bit of fuel leaking, there is quite
a bit of pressure in the bowl so check that the lid is tight and not
cross threaded.
The lids are plastic so it is also possible that it has a small crack in
it, have a close look.

 

Thanks mate, I have checked the fuel filter cap, it's installed ok and I can't see any visible cracks.

I have degreased the engine and found that the two high pressure hoses from the Hpop are leaking. I've also seen videos realating to replacing the orings and the job seems simple enough. However it has now used 4.5 litres of oil in the last 1000ks so it's getting worse.

Could these two hoses be leaking that much oil or is there likely a more substantial leak elsewhere?

The back pressure valve does not appear to be an issue and the fuel pooling up is still a mystery.

Cheers,

Mike

 

Mike,
The fuel issue is a bit of a mystery.
The two hard lines from the bowl to the fuel rails on my engine were looking a bit worse for wear and I replaced
them with steel braided teflon lines and "Proflow" AN style fittings.
Check you lines and see if they have any hairline cracks.
Just a stab in the dark I admit and there are other more knowledgeable members that may be able to solve it.

As for the HP oil lines leaking the answer is yes, they can leak that much oil, it is under a very high pressure.

I advise you to get a new set of lines.
These are what I used on my engine.

CNC FABRICATION 7.3L E99-03 COMPLETE REPLACEMENT HPOP AND HPX LINE KIT - 99-03-ENGINE - POWERSTROKE 99-03 - Products

They are an excellent product and are well worth the cost.

If you read post six in this thread

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...3-removal.html

you will find a list of many links to info and products that you may
find helpful.

Best of luck.

 

Mike,
Just had another thought about your fuel leak.
If you have disconnected any of the hard lines and reconnected them you will have a leak if you did not replace the Viton seal sleeves.
They are a single use item and must be replaced any time you disconnect the fitting.

There are three sizes, 1/4" for the lines to the fuel rails, 3/8" for the incomming line and 5/16" for the return line.

You get them from here.

Parker 60VLV-4 Viton Sleeve (1/4 inch)

Parker 60VLV-5 Viton Sleeve 5/16 inch

Parker 60VLV-6 Viton Sleeve 3/8 inch

Brian

 

if u can try and support someone who supports us.
You wont find better people to deal with.
Ford - 99-03 Super Duty 7.3L - HPOP & Related - Riffraff Diesel Performance

And another site I couldnt live with out
1999-2003 Ford 7.3L

there combo kit is a must for all, the instructions are detailed for all types of repairs as well

 

I haven't removed any of the fuel lines Brian, cheers