I noticed yesterday when I was at Lowe's that I had a wet spot on the front tie rod. After the sniff test it turned out to be fuel. Any ideas? I popped the hood and couldn't see any wet spots. It looked as if it came from the drain tube for the fuel filter bowl. It was a small wet spot maybe a lil over an inch in diameter. The truck was still cold. I had one more stop about 12 miles away and after the truck warmed up the leak was gone and never returned. Any one else have this issue?

I have heard of the o-rings on the fuel bowl drain leaking? But I dont know how to diagnose this? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

O-rings in the fuel drain valve have gone bad. Need to replace them. The valve is on the back side of the fuel bowl.

 

And here is how to change them:

Separator Valve Rebuild

 

Here's a good link to get you started. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...king-fuel.html

EDIT: Boy Scott, that new job got you typing faster.

 

Thanks a million for the info guys. Any ideas on where to get new o-rings at? Is this a dealer only part?

 

Several of our site sponsors sale them, or you can get them yourself. 1/2 od 1/4 id and 1/8 material is what you need. Get ones that are rated for fuel oil usage.

 

I've got 10 or so laying around. p.m. me you address and i will toss in the snail mail for you if you not in a hurry.

 

Is there a more permanent solution short of tapping and plugging the two holes?

This is third time in 4 years these o-rings have gone bad for me ..... one year ago i replaced the whole PLASTIC housing, yellow lever and all (P/N:31648) .... just wanted to be done with it. Mine are leaking again, just got back from autozone with two o-rings. Im afraid the engine will catch fire, caught it early this time, my nose is trained for it by now. I dont really want to use the "Delete Fuel Bowl mod". just want the darn thing to stop leaking PERMANENTLY.

 

Don't think thats a good idea unless you want to do the fuel bowl delete and regulated return, you need the drain valve. Can't imagine why you have gone through so many in a short time. You do have to use fuel rated o rings like Viton or the fuel will eat them up.

 

Yeah , i get the fuel rated ones, the last ones were from Ford they came with kit. I cleaned the two posts until they were shiny. Put the new part on, did not tighten extremely tight, just real snug. Worked for a year (10-25-2007) Do you think i could tap the bottom hole and mount a real valve thats not PLASTIC? and plug the top one? I could let air in by lossening the Lid. What is this valve for? just a drain.

 

Yep, it just a drain and maybe you could tap it, its not all that heavy of metal and will crack. Where are you leaking? Out of the drain or around the valve housing?

 

Its around the valve housing ... you know ... the valey is full of diesel and nothings around the lid ..... its only wet just around the valve housing. Has anyone else had this problem as often as I have?

 

Leaking around the valve in more common since the ULSD hit the tanks but most only have one repair every few years, max. Have you tried to snug the valve screws a little more?

 

I have not attempted yet, had to let motor cool. Will try that first in morning. I use the Grey bottle of CETANE Boost every 5 to 6 fillups ... do you think that this might increase my rate of failed o-rings? My first failure of the o-rings was exactly when the ULSD came out .... maybe there is a sealent i can apply to the orings before replacing. I remeber they had some sortof yelow crud on them from Ford ... what is that?

 

The additive will help with the orings if anything. You should at least grease the orings before you install them. Helps them set and keeps them soft. I think that is all that yellow stuff is.