Let me start off by saying I'm a complete novice. I was attempting to track down an oil leak and now I suspect I have a fuel leak as well. There is a rather large puddle built up in the valley which I think is a combination of oil and fuel. What is the best way to determine exactly where the fuel leak is coming from (I'm suspecting the bowl or the fuel filter drain, but what is the best way to determine it)? As far as the oil leak, I think I may just go get some dye.

 

The best way to determine it is to just get things nice and clean and dry in the valley, then turn the key to RUN to get the fuel pump running, and watch for leaks.

The most likely place is definitely the yellow drain lever on the fuel bowl.

 

I agree with ryaneverk2, more than likely the O-rings on your fuel drain, the new low sulfur diesel seems to attack them! Mine were fine until I started using the new fuel!!!!
Rich

 

If it turns out to be the o-rings on your fuel drain valve, this is actually a pretty straightforward fix-it-yourself project. It should take you about an hour after you get the parts and proper tools.

Before you change anything, turn on your key to pressurize the system. Locate the small, yellow-handled fuel filter water drain valve on the firewall side of the fuel filter. Exercise this valve a half dozen times. Maybe you'll get lucky and blow out the cause of the leak. Otherwise:

You need:
1. A #20 Torx driver socket for 1/4 inch drive.
2. A 1/4 inch ratchet
3. The two o-rings themselves. There's a guy on eBay selling them cheap! Two bucks and free shipping is a VERY good price for the Viton rings.

Optional: Proper size socket and ratchet for removing the "Powerstroke" plastic cover from the top-front of your engine.

For ease, remove the "Powerstroke" cover.
Locate that yellow valve handle at the side closest to the firewall. This is the drain valve. Remember how the pieces are oriented for later re-assembly. Better yet, take a digital picture. There are four #20 Torx screws holding the valve to the filter body. Using the driver socket and ratchet, remove the four screws. Using a toothpick, pry the two little yellow o-rings out of where they fit. Replace them with the two you bought. Lube the threads on the four screws. Re-assemble and check for leaks. Replace the Powerstroke cover.

That's it.

Pop

 

Don't forget to check the simple things like the beveled gasket not being set right or the fuel filter lid being loose.

 

The link at the end of my sig has pics of the valve repair...

 

I want to thank everyone for their help, I found that guy selling the o rings for $2, can't beat that. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get time to exercise the the valve and see if there is something there causing the leak. Honestly I have never used the valve. Now that I'm more aware of it, should I be draining it everytime I change the fuel filter?

Those are some great instructions, I may not have to wait for my mechanic friend to help me out, thanks.

I did try to make sure the simple things were not the problem, I know the lid is on tight but I'll have to wait until tomorrow when there is light to verify the beveled gasket is set right.