I’m in the process of trying to find a fuel leak on my 2000 F250 powerstroke. It leaked from around the bellhousing like it’s coming down the back of the motor. I replaced the o rings on the fuel bowl drain valve. It still leaks but not as bad. I noticed there was some sort of insulation or something in the valley when I was working on the o rings. Is that supposed to be there? Sorry if it’s a stupid question but it doesn’t seem like it should be there.

 

No insulation in the valley that I remember.

Your fuel leak could be coming from the fuel line on the passenger side head.
Check out the first post of this thread.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...on-thread.html

 

I wonder if the po did that because of the leak (to soak it up). The leak is so unconsistant I can't figure it out. It has a small drip sometimes and none other times. Thanks for the link. I'll take a look at that tonight.

 

Yeah, top side leaks will be like that. What happens is the engine valley is like a reservoir that catches all kinds of fluids until it fills up enough to pour out the drain hole on the back side of the engine (on the passenger side). So, if you park on a grade where the front of the truck is higher than the back, then most of the fluid will leak out that drain hole. Then it will take a while to fill back up again and so on.

It's possible the leak you are seeing now is just residue left over from your fuel bowl drain valve repair. But do also check the fuel line at that clamp because if it is leaking then you will want to deal with that fairly soon.

 

I had insulation in my valley once.....Packrat put it there.

 

Thanks. I'll check that out tonight. I saw the clamp back there for the fuel line but didn't think that it might rub through the line. Where would I find that line or any of the other fuel lines at? I'm new to diesels so I don't have a cluse where the better places are to buy replacement parts.

 

Definitely sounds like some sort of rodent habitation to me, too.

 

The fuel line is a dealer item which means you can probably get it from PartsGuyEd as well. No sure of the part number because I've never had to buy one before. However, I know other members have ordered the tube and I think they posted the part number. When you get time you can search this forum and I bet you will find a thread with the number. That really should be the only line you need to replace as the others are not known to ever need service.

You probably want to bookmark the following vendors for future reference. Check out their websites and get a feel for the items they have. These guys are my first choice for anything needed for these trucks. If they don't have what you need, then they can let you know where to get it.

1. Riffraff Diesel Performance Parts | Diesel Parts Supply | 7.3L Powerstroke Parts | Ford Diesel Performance | Diesel Truck Parts
2. Replacement O-rings for Ford Diesel Engines
3. www.partsguyed.com

The Diesel O Rings website has almost all the hard to find stuff for the top of your engine.

If that line is in fact leaking...you can probably fix it by cutting out the bad section and inserting the correct size VibraLok fitting. Grainger has them but only in packs of 10. Other part houses might have them as well. Price wise, it will probably be less expensive to simply order the replacement tube from Ed. I only mention the Parker fittings on the off chance that you are familiar with the system and can get a single fitting (with sleeves) easily and at a reasonable cost. These are the types of fittings that are at the fuel bowl end anyway and are designed to resist vibration. They must do a pretty good job because mine have lasted for over 12 years so far...

 

Squirrells love that spot.

 

+1 I had insulation, sticks and bird seed in my valley once. Cleaned it about a year ago and all has been well.

 

gchavez - Thanks for the links. I'll keep those saved on the computer.

I didnt get any fuel leak/drips the day after I posted this. I drove the truck from Shreveport, LA to Moultrie, GA and back this weekend and didn't have any leaks/problems/ect. Well, except for the cackle but I'm looking at doing the cackle kit from riff raff soon.

Side note: I pulled my wife's car (1981 diesel rabbit) back from GA and I absolutely forgot it was there. I know it's nothing for this truck to pull that but I've never owned a truck like this before. This thing seems like it might be a beast. Now I can't wait to use it for what we bought it for......pulling a 20 foot food trailer!

 

There shouldn't be any insulation in your engine valley. That's odd.

 

If you had a leak in the fuel line that feeds the head you would know it real fast. The pressure in that line will push alot of fuel in a very short time. Ask me how I know.

Clean all that "insulation" out of the valley, it is a safety (fire) hazard, especially if it has oil or fuel in it.