Diesel Smell
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, OR
Return lines are the most common area for air intrusion/leaks but my '94 IDI turbo (7.3L) has had most of its air/fuel leaks in the supply system.
Look for leaks under the steel clips on the steel lines under your truck from rust.
I simply bypassed the whole feed/supply line on mine.
If it weren't for air intrusion and glow plug problems this site wouldn't have half of the traffic.
It can be frustrating to find the leaks/problem areas.
Are you having hard start or surging problems?
The first place I would look is the water drain on the bottom of your fuel filter. It can leak there with out causing a "puddle" but you can definitely smell it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
Check the valley pan for fuel leakage trail...... could be the IP. Also check the fuel filter for smear marks and leaks. Other than that a good visual check from the rubber lift pump inlet line to the return lines is required.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
Leaking return lines are a good source of a diesel smell. One of mine was dripping slowly, you could smell it through the vents.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Covington usa
It smells while she runs, I've had people at coffee stands (remember I'm in Seattle) say they can smell raw fuel...after I shut it down I can smell it as well...I don't drive her much. She is hard to start but I think my GP's need to be replaced and my airfilter needs cleaning, BT I feel I have a leak when she's running. So I'll check most of the items you all have suggested if I find these items. Not being an absolute hard core diesel owner (first one) I don't know most of the common terms and have to research each item suggested 
(hopefully not all)
(hopefully not all)
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Covington usa
please tell me where the "valley pan" is or what it is...also I don't have a water drain, mine is on top (fuel filter) and is a screw-on canister.
"rubber lift pump inlet line to the return lines is required" sorry can you exaplin more please
"rubber lift pump inlet line to the return lines is required" sorry can you exaplin more please
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
The return lines are all of the rubber lines between the injectors, also ties into the injection pump and the fuel filter.
The plastic tee's that the return lines hook to on each injector has two rubber O rings under each one to seal it to the injector body.
The hot fuel in the return line makes the O rings hard, so if they get moved, the O rings do not reseal.
Then air leaks into the return lines, and drains the fuel back to the fuel tank, makes for hard starts, since there is no fuel for the engine to run on.
The steel fuel line starts just in front of the tank selector valve under the drivers seat inside the frame.
It runs up to the cross member, then crosses to the passenger side and toward the front again.
If ties into the lift pump with a piece of rubber fuel line about 8" long.
The plastic tee's that the return lines hook to on each injector has two rubber O rings under each one to seal it to the injector body.
The hot fuel in the return line makes the O rings hard, so if they get moved, the O rings do not reseal.
Then air leaks into the return lines, and drains the fuel back to the fuel tank, makes for hard starts, since there is no fuel for the engine to run on.
The steel fuel line starts just in front of the tank selector valve under the drivers seat inside the frame.
It runs up to the cross member, then crosses to the passenger side and toward the front again.
If ties into the lift pump with a piece of rubber fuel line about 8" long.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
My 86 is the same. Started getting smelly. Had the glow plugs and injectors done for other reasons. Still the same. Gone over it a few times. No leaks. I think there is a breather at the rear of the block someplace. Haven't checked that. Be interesting to see the fix.
Pete
Pete
