Hello,

2001 F250 Crew Cab 4x4 7.3

I smelled diesel the last few days which was not normal.

Climbed up on the front wheel and peered on top of the engine. Looks like diesel is pooling in between the heads.

Seems to be coming from the front area, not sure what it is. Is it an injection pump like my 85 6.9?

Regards,

redbug2

 

It's more than likely the fuel drain valve on the back of the fuel bowl that is leaking. While the truck is running get yourself a flashlight and watch the back of the fuel bowl and you ought to see it dripping. The drain valve is that yellow lever in the lower right of the picture you posted.

 

Hopefully these will be helpful...

 

The above represents just about every place that the fuel bowl assembly could leak. You may need to spray some simple green on the fuel bowl and into the valley and then rinse all of it with low pressure water to get an idea of where the fuel is coming from.

The lid has a gasket that can leak as well...some people love the old style lid and gasket while others like the new filter that has a lid and gasket and filter in one configuration such as the NAPA Gold replacement.

 

This is great information, thanks. I've ordered an O-ring kit and I have never replaced that filter so this leak may be a good thing. Stopping by NAPA today to buy the gold filter.

 

Your aged O-rings in the fuel bowl may have failed from overpressure. The fuel filter is done after 10K miles ( I see a pressure differential at this point), and 20K miles may have things running amok in there.

Motorcraft fuel filter, not aftermarket on this one - that water barrier is important. Fuel bowl rebuild kit, as mentioned.

 

Also check the fuel line from the bowl to the pass. back side of the engine. Those tend to wear from the clamp around the fuel line to the plenum from engine vibration. If the leak is closer to the bowl then it's probably the bowl. Just something else to check while your in there.