the other day i took my 03' 6.0 to the local lube station... got the auto tranny done, front + rear diff, transfer case and engine... i also got the fuel filter(s) changed, which is where my problem lies... on what im told is the lift pump (infront of tank along frame) where the one filter goes, it is dripping diesel out from around the black cap the filter goes inside... im guessing there is some type of seal or o-ring that goes there that could have possible been broken... how ever i don't have a socket that will fit it so i can remove the cover to check...

but now to the problem, since i got it back it takes for ever to start, and when i turn the key to the "on" position to get ready to start there is a weird grinding noise that sounds like its comming from the front of the engine compartment, it does it every time i turn the key from the off position to the on position, and then when i try to start it it takes a long time for it to fire, my friend and i were discussing it yesterday and we think it may be the lift pump (where the filter is i explained earylier) is bad or it is sucking air around the cap of the fuel filter... i remember reading some where that the powerstroke has a unique fuel injection system that is high pressure and either 10,000 PSI or somthing, so i figure with the high pressure injection system like that even a small air leak could cause a huge problem...

this is my first diesel vechicle and im not to familiar with how everything works... if the lift pump is bad, im thinking of going with a fass fuel, glacier diesel or another type of aftermarket lift pump...

what are your suggestions or thoughts on this?

any info is greatly appreciated...

thanks
nick

 

Probably great directions in the 6.0 forum. If it were my vehicle, I would take everything apart and make sure all o rings are seated properly. I think you are correct, if it leaks something not right. I have followed these posts for a while and never saw anyone complain about a bad pump. I do remember, after you change the filters you have to leave the key on for 20 or more seconds and then try to start the engine. Also, to drain out the water you need an allen wrench. Make sure that is tight, could be your problem. Did you get the old filters? Maybe I am too paranoid, but trust no one, those fuel filters are very expensive.

 

well last time i replaced them i used motorcraft filters... this time he used a generic one... im taking it back to the lube place tomorrow to get them to check it out... i hope its not the pump cause im short on funds to blow $500 on a pump...


thanks for the input

thanks
nick

 

prolly the wrong filters. use only motocraft, raycor/IH.

 

They probably used cheap filters or didn't change the o-ring on the black plastic cap (filters come with new o-rings).

If fuel is leaking then I bet air is getting in when you are starting and running the motor which would cause hard starting problems and could end up hurting your injectors. These motors are very picky about fuel.

 

xcnick38:
Be careful how far you drive the truck. I would call your local lube station that did the job and explain you are concerned of improper installation and their fault. My bet is they send a tow truck. I would not drive it with any knock, peculiar sounds, etc.

 

after i initially noticed the problem i let it run for about 10 min and listened and looked for anything that wasn't normal... i didn't notice anything strange or unusual... im going to take it to the lube place tomorrow...

thanks again

 

Yeah, be very carefull. If there is an air leak there, i.e. broken cap from over tightening, or bad o ring, or wrong filter, or improper install, etc..., you sure don't want to nuke your injectors. I have been told that one of the worse things you can do to the injectors is to push air into them. And that it's even hard on the injectors to run out of fuel with a 6 ltr.
Post over at the 6.0 forum and you will probably get some good advise from those 6.0 guru's over there.
I don't think I'd drive that truck right now, until you make sure it's sealed up tight, with no leakie.