Leaking/dripping around underside of tranny and engine. Pools of diesel can be seen setting on the manifold under the turbo and in the area under the water/fuel sep. canister. My research (including a couple postings in this forum) tell me that things to look far are 1) the infamous Fuel Drain Valve, 2) that pressure sensor/switch to the right of the canister, or 3) the fuel pump.

Well, here's where I'm at: My son and I took the removed the cover over all the fuel components and it was very obviously dripping at that sensor/switch thing (even the ford dealer couldn't tell me exactly what the thing was). But anyway, $50 later, I had the old sensor off and the new one on. Started it up and no dripping from the new one. We were thrilled! Cleaned all the residual fuel that had accumulated and went on a long test drive. Bummer was, We got home and we are still leaking. I saw that sensor dripping with my own eyes so I know it was bad... but apparently it wasn't the only problem. So next I want to look at the Fuel Drain Valve. Before I spend another $50 on this part, I have a couple questions. I realize there is a common problem with the ring washers in this valve. My question is, when it is failing, where will I notice leakage? Does it alway leak at the drain tube? My drain outlet on the valve is already connected to a tube is that runs to the front of the truck. And I am fairly certain that it is not leaking at the drain outlet. So, given that piece of information, can I rule out the drain valve? What else should I look for?

Thanks much!!!
Brian
96 F350 Crew Cab 7.3 Auto Tranny

 

fuel may leak in the valley and thru the tube when the fuel /water drain valve o-rings are bad mine did both!

 

I'd pull the fuel filter cover off and make sure there is only one washer. A flashlight and a little mirror could help immensely on the top of the engine looking for that leak. Try looking closely at the bottom of the fuel pump(with flashlight and mirror) and you may very well discover it is leaking out of the weep hole. The pump will still work for quite a while, it just won't seal perfectly and keep all the fuel inside itself like it did for a long time.

 

Yes I agree with F350 there is a very good chance it is you fuel pump/lift pump. Same thing so don't sweat that part. Here is a link as to the steps. It's time consuming but if you take your time you can do it. Besides I did it and I'm a recruiter for a financial education firm.

 

I believe pure diesel power sells an oring kit for our drain valves for like $10. It's a real easy fix.

 

It is very hard to track down the leaks on these things. I did the doubled gasket on the fuel filter cover too. I had replaced hoses that leaked, lift pump that leaked, fuel filter sensor that I saw leaking(on rear of fuel filter housing), was still smelling diesel when i realised it was coming out of the cap (I had replaced the filter when I did the sensor). Removed the extra gasket and voila no more leaks. Now finally with 187,000 miles on it no more leaks no oil consumption, I am very pleased.

 

Todd/14psd... you mentioned a link to instructions for fuel pump replacement??? I didn't see the link in your post. Can you please repost?

thanks ALL for the advise.
Brian

 

Sounds like lift pump issues bro! Mine just took a crap on me two weeks ago. Went to my International guy and bought a new pump, new hose kit as well as new banjo washer kit. Had my mechanic throw it all on and *PRESTO* no more leaks. Just my $.02 worth

 

Try this one:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...ight=fuel+pump

 

Would a leaking lift pump send a the smell of fuel through the vent/heater? I get a wiff of diesel every time i put my fan speed only the 3rd position... kinda strange!

 

It sure will. I had the exact same problem as you, multiple leaks. Fixed the dripping sensor (filter clogged, I believe) still fuel. Less, but still a leak. Cleaned the weep hole on the pump good so I could see it good with a mirror and it would be dry as a bone. Take it for a drive, puddle. I finally had the wife take it to I think 3000rpm, maybe 2500, while I laid on top watching the weephole with my mirror and flashlight. I could see a spray in that area but not 100% sure it was pump weephole, there's alot of wind at 3000rpm. What I did to make sure (before I went through the trouble of changing the pump) was roll up a paper towel and wedge it against the weephole. 3000rpm's later I didn't see the spray this time and when I removed the paper towel it was wet. I changed the pump and banjo washers. I still kept seeing a small amount appear under the filter housing but I was tired of it for that night so I put of the fuel drain o-rings til another day. A few days later and I had a dry valley! I just chaulked the last leak that "fixed itself" as residual that I couldn't 100% dry and it finally dried itself up. I've been checking for the last month or two and still dry. I'm sticking with my residual theory.
If you want to rering your drainvalve, grainger has the o-rings (you'll have $10 in it and about 72 left over). Or people are selling on ebay for $2.50 to $5 with free shpg.
Good luck.

 

My link is the same as Cudajim's. It's a good one. Good luck.

 

aaron, I like your paper towel trick. Where exactly are these "weep holes"? Can you help me figure out where to put the paper towel?

Also, The thing I'm confused about is in this message string people talk about "Fuel pump" and "lift pump" - are they the same thing? Or is there two pumps in the valley?

Another question- Mine's a 96 (f350). My drain valve looks different from the one they show on the pure power website. mine only has two torx bolts down low holding it on and I'm having a heck of a time getting down to them. Is there a trick? do I need to lift the w/f seperator canaster out?

 

http://home.centurytel.net/sabre/drainvalve.html

Only 1 pump in the valley, different names for the same thing. The weep hole is on the bottom of the pump, hard to see. Clean the valley good start the engine and look for the leak, use a mirror for the hard to see. It's best to remove the fuel filter housing for pump replacement, you can just shove it towards the front of the engine too, it's your call. Follow the instructions given in the link I posted above.

 

The weephole is nearly impossible to see if you don't know where its at. I had a new pump in my possesion already so I could cheat. I'll try to describe it as best I can. The pump is held down by two bolts. Locate the one on the passenger side. Note the ledge(I can't think of the correct term right now) that the bolt is threading into, there is a small gap between the vertical face of the ledge and the side of the pump. This gap is where I shoved the paper towel(it wasn't easy) this is also where the weephole is. Just below mount surface facing directly towards the passengers side, right in the middle of the gap, thats why its so hard to find. Hope this helps.
Aaron