Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

What is this?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 21, 2023 | 02:36 PM
  #1  
BobaFettTheCenturion's Avatar
BobaFettTheCenturion
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
What is this?


There's a little black petcock looking thing sticking out of the bottom that leaks.

Hey all. I'm new to the forums so if someone else has asked this question if you could drop a link. I've owned my 95 7.3 for 3 years now and I've always had some spots under the truck when parked. I know the old saying is if it leaks it has fluids but I'm not really keen on losing fuel. Recently I've noticed an excessive amount of fuel loss and upon investigation I found this little guy just poking out under the fuel pump hoses. It isn't spraying thankfully but it has a pretty steady drip, about two drops per three seconds. It doesn't look like a hose attaches to it and when I looked at another 7.3 it wasn't even there. I can't find anything about it online so I'm at a loss. Thanks for the help.
 
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2023 | 03:00 PM
  #2  
knottyrope's Avatar
knottyrope
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,220
Likes: 1,342
From: Bahstun
think thats the VAC switch leaking
Dont tighten it up too much as the bowl will crack

remove and add some pipe dope and insert again
or
plug port up with NPT plug
 
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2023 | 04:29 PM
  #3  
cleatus12r's Avatar
cleatus12r
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,462
Likes: 2,942
From: Reed Point, MT
Originally Posted by knottyrope
think thats the VAC switch leaking
Dont tighten it up too much as the bowl will crack

remove and add some pipe dope and insert again
or
plug port up with NPT plug
Just did one of mine yesterday. It's the fuel filter restriction light switch. Not really necessary if you change your filter regularly.

A 1-1/16" wrench will take it off but a short 1-1/16 oil pressure sending unit socketvis the proper tool. You'll have to remove the intake "y" to get to it.

Put an 1/8NPT plug in it.
 
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2023 | 08:07 AM
  #4  
Talyn's Avatar
Talyn
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 104
From: Ashland City, TN
I'ma fancy a guess you're talking about this.
Just pipe dope and dont over tighten like they said.

Since you gotta take it off, highly suggest just replacing all the fuel lines too. Just make sure they are diesel/fuel rated.

It's kind of a PITA to get it out, but its really not terrible.

you can do the fuel bowl heater removal as well if its still in there, which can be a source of grief. Just remember to unhook the IPR plug when pulling it, cause the fuel bowl harness plugs into the IPR as well.

The biggest PITA is to do the fuel lines.
You can probably do it while its in the truck thinking about it if you pull the turbo Y pipe off. just tape over the intake ports so you dont drop stuff in there.

 
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2023 | 10:33 AM
  #5  
Hit Man X's Avatar
Hit Man X
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 2,036
From: North Texas
Check those hoses on the heads up front, they can and do fail from fatigue.
 
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2023 | 11:46 AM
  #6  
BobaFettTheCenturion's Avatar
BobaFettTheCenturion
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
So it's for sure the fuel filter restriction sensor thing, I looked it up and it's the exact part. I think I'll just plug it because I change my filter regularly at least once or twice a year. I've inspected the lines and hoses; they do look old but not the source of the leak. Eventually I plan on replacing the fuel lines and the pump but that will be a summer project when it isn't 20 degrees and windy as heck. Thanks everyone for the quick response!

 

Last edited by BobaFettTheCenturion; Dec 22, 2023 at 11:49 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2023 | 11:50 AM
  #7  
Hit Man X's Avatar
Hit Man X
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 2,036
From: North Texas
Soft are easy to do and would be bad to have yours pop on the road like happened to me!

RR now has heavy duty ones that are nice
 
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2023 | 07:29 PM
  #8  
Talyn's Avatar
Talyn
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 104
From: Ashland City, TN
Originally Posted by Hit Man X
RR now has heavy duty ones that are nice
The main ilines to the heads?
Yeah, they good stuff.

My originals failed. yeah, originals.
I put the braided RR ones on there and so nice.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 22, 2023 | 11:45 PM
  #9  
Hit Man X's Avatar
Hit Man X
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 2,036
From: North Texas
Yessir. My OG ones on the 96 blew out nearly home, I deadass recommend those to anyone (regardless of brand) as safety precaution.

Use me as prime example as an ******.
 
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2023 | 12:01 AM
  #10  
White95PSD's Avatar
White95PSD
Tuned
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 338
Likes: 112
From: Southern California
I had the passenger fuel line burst on me about 70 miles from home. Fuel just sprayed out when truck was running that I could see the fuel gauge slowly dropping to E! Made to a parking lot near an auto parts store. Of course they didn’t have the part. Luck it was the passenger since it’s way easier to replace than the driver’s side. Ended up sleeving the cracked line with heater hose and several worm clamps. Slowed the leak enough to get home. Ordered the steel braided from riff raff along with a fuel bowl/fpr rebuild kit, new fuel pressure spring, new bowl heater because mine had slightly separated and new hoses/clamps. Took it all out, rebuilt it and back in.

watched it for couple days and noticed there was a slow leak. It was coming from the fuel resistor. Of course one of the only parts I didn’t replace. On my 95 it was a huge pain to get in while the bowl is in place! Its position is under the bowl and in the back near the fuel pump. Learned a lesson to try and replace as many parts within the same system, at the same time. The parts can age the same and when you change something and it runs to spec the older parts in the system really start to show their ware fast.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KingDeleted
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
34
Jul 28, 2023 02:48 PM
adeter
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Dec 24, 2022 05:09 PM
Squirly
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
May 4, 2022 11:54 PM
Work or Play?
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Aug 4, 2019 12:15 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:53 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE