The drain valve for the fuel filter housing was leaking, so I went and bought a new one. That one still leaked, so I took it back and swaped it. Well, the next one still leaked. I got mad and tightened the crap out of it. Well, it quit leaking. I drove it up the road to see. It was fine at first then seemed to loose power. When I got back home, the entire valley was full of diesel. It wasn't the drain valve this time, it was the return line that goes back to the tank. The threaded part which connects it to the housing is broke back up in the fitting and it too tight to get out. When I pulled the line away, diesel emptied out from around the drain valve. I'm going to replace the broken part and lines, but does anyone have a clue how to get the drain valve to stop leaking?


1999 F350 7.3 CC DRW

 

I have a feeling you didn't get the housing completely clean

 

Yeah, it is completely clean. Turns out the filter housing is warped. How does that happen? The guy at the Ford place said it is going to cost between $500 to $600 to replace. I think I am going to see what I can do on my own. Any suggestions?

 

think before I spent that much on a stock filter I would do a delete and install a frame mount

online store have housing from $290 to $340 but that's still a bunch

 

I thought about that, but what does that wire that connects to the back of the filter housing do? Would it cause problems by not having it hooked up?

 

It's a fuel heating element. Unless you are VERY cold, you can run without it. I know it gets cold in Georgia, but not regularly.

It would be very different if you lived in Northern Minnesota.

The suggestion of a fully-regulated fuel system is a good one, faced with the situation you're in.

Pop

 

That sounds like a good idea. Who is a good manufacturer of those?

 

There are a number of them are sold by our forum sponsors. Most are a little different, but accomplish the same thing.

Just make sure that there is a REGULATOR in any you choose. You MUST have a fuel-pressure regulator in your system.

I have no doubts that a number of users will give you their opinions on the ones they chose, with the pro's and con's.

I know you probably need your truck back on the road ASAP, just don't hurry this decision, as it's an important one.

Pop

 

The filter housing retails for around $500.00. If you have a buddy that has a resale number like a garage, he can probably get it for around $250.00 to $300.00, and you can change it yourself. It's not that hard to do. While you have it apart, you will want to change, or at least inspect the 2 hoses from the fuel pump. Check the inside, that's where they come apart and plug up. Not just any type of hose will do. You will want to get it from Ford or International. There is a lot of heat around them and regular fuel line won't hold up. By the way, the heat shield on them, just pulls off.

 

Hey Turbodiesel600, I have a spare fuel bowl housing if you need it. You will have to transfer the drain, and the brass fittings from your old one to this one, but its not warped. It is yours if you want it, no charge, just help someone else out when they are in need.

BUT, as Marv said if I was going through the trouble of pulling my old one off, I would just get a regulated return kit with a fuel bowl delete. the RR works better than fuel bowl and will help to remove some of the air in the fuel.

Look here for a great kit http://www.itpdiesel.com/store.php?c...on=show_detail

 

This is why I love this site. There is always someone willing to lend a hand.

 

way to go brandon. it still amazes me how people are so willing to help out with parts or anything else.

 

Well, I had to try one more thing before I forked out a few hundred dollars. I took a piece of chemical resistant, rubber like gasket, and made a gasket to fit between the drain valve and the filter housing. It was about an eight of an inch thick. I made it to match up with both of the holes. I bolted it all back together, cranked it up, and NO LEAK!!! Did that Saturday and still not havng a problem. Figured I would share since it worked.

Thank yall for your advice. Bdrummonds, that was a very generous offer. I really appreciate it. Not many folks would do that any more. Just another reason I love this place.

 

Thanks for the update and sharing your fix. Good Job.