2001 F250 power stroke 170k miles--- when running the air conditoner and vent fan I have a diesel smell in the cab-not super strong but it's there-
I'm not real familiar with these engines-- where do I start? don't think I have a fuel leak but could be exhaust leak-- all bolts right on turbo hoses
thks
T

 

Look in the valley for fuel first.. Most likely you will find it there, then we can start pointing out where to look

 

And if there is no fuel leak to be found anywhere, then your up-pipes are leaking behind the turbo.

 

I knew you were from Louisiana as soon as I saw your user name. Where are you? Look all over the engine for fuel. Look at the front passenger side underneath where the fuel bowl drains. There is a tube going down besides the front of the engine. If the o-rings are leaking, thats where the fuel will come out.

 

yuppers. Fuel smell is most likely either a leaking fuel bowl lid or o-rings. have you changed the filter lately?

 

Curtis, are you thinking exhaust smell?

 

There are also some plugs on the back of the motor that could leak too...

But check the valley of death first...

 

An exhaust leak at the up-pipes gives off a faint diesel fuel smell. My truck did it, and on another forum a PSD owner found his to be doing the same thing - diesel smell with no sign of a fuel leak.

Fuel leaks are usually pretty easy to find, since diesel doesn't evaporate like gasoline. But if there is no visible leak detected, then it's usually attributed to an exhaust leak somewhere. So that's why I made the suggestion. Definitely look for fuel first before blaming the up-pipes.

 

thks guys
will give the engine a look over next week and get back to you
I live at a fishing camp in Cocodrie La and diesel mechanics are hard to find
have looked at the video's on U tube and know about the valley
changed fuel filter a couple months back with a NAPA unit where it came with the cover
didn't see any leaks but will check again
will get back to you all after Thanksgiving
have a good holiday
T

 

If you can't find a leak, I am a few hours away from you. After the Holiday's, you are welcome to bring it to my shop and we can go over all the stuff on your truck. Some times it's hard to find a leak, I know.

 

Changed my fuel filter out and seemed OK. Went dirt'n a couple weeks later and when I got back out on the hi-way, smelled fuel. pop the hood and there was small stream spraying from the filter cap.... need a little more ummmpff on it.

 

If thats the case, another area to look at then would be the ebps tube, if that is rotted away, you could get the same thing. Thanks Curtis..