My engine compartment smells like diesel after its been running. Is this normal or could I have a leak some where?

 

Check the fuel bowl drain lever and see if your O-rings are leaking there.

Stewart

 

Should I do this while its running?

 

If you do it while the engine is running BE CAREFUL!! IF the "o" rings have not been replaced in the drain valve chances are that thats where your leak is.
Also might take a look at the lines and fittings on the fuel bowl itself for leaks-if you are smelling fuel you should be able to find the leak pretty quick.

 

Anyone got any other ways to check this?

 

If they're bad it should be dripping out the drain tube by the right exhaust manifold down low. At least that's what mine did. Also check your filter cap mine came loose one time causing a fuel smell/leak.

 

I did on my wife's Excursion.

Like Supercab stated, just be careful.

The leak on my Ex usn't so bad that it's actively dripping, but rather it's actively seeping. The whole area below where the lever mounts is wet.

I already have Guzzles fuel bowl rebuild kit purchased through Clay at Riffraff, I just need to find time to pull it and get 'er done.

Stewart

 

My fuel bowl got leaky around 175k, the ULSD can be hard on those o-rings so it may be time to rebuild it. I was getting diesel fuel leaking aroudn the valley and it was a strong smell of diesel, but now it's dry and I don't notice it anymore.

 

Nothing in my valley was wet, but everything had a shine to it. This makes me think it might be seeping a little.

 

Agreed. This is the most likely thing to check. You can use a flashlight to look through the passenger front wheel well and eyeball the end of the tube, it will be just forward of the exhaust manifold. When the drain valve leaks, the fuel drips (pours) out that tube but it usually doesn't make it to the floor because the fan blows it back onto the engine. If you have a leak, you will see wet components in that area.

 

Here's a pic of the drain tube.

 

I know where the drain tube is, but can this result from leaking fuel bowl orings?

 

Yep. If the o-rings at the drain valve leak then you will get diesel all over the place.
Other possible place to check is the fuel line clamp at the rear of the right side cylinder head...

 

The easiest thing to do is just delete the fuel bowl and install a regulated return. Then you don't have to worry about the drain valve leaking....

 

I like to change as little as possible on my truck and the way it functions.