strong fuel odor

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Oct 2, 2009 | 08:58 AM

drivembig

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: NC

strong fuel odor

Hi, I have a 1995 F350 7.3l and it seems that it may be running rich? Excuse my ignorance, but this is my first diesel and am trying to learn the ins and outs of it. I do have a friend that is a long long time diesel owner and I had noticed a pretty strong odor of diesel, but thought well now I'm driving a diesel so get used to it. Well yesterday I let him drive it to check it out and he mentioned that it may be running to rich, because he smelled it also. We both climbed all over the truck and couldn't find any leaks. It just smells like a very strong odor from the exhaust. You don't smell it going down the road at speed, but when you stop it's like the exhaust catches up with you and then you can smell it.

Also I am getting pretty poor fuel mileage compared to what I have read and think maybe this could also be the problem.

Is there some kind of regulator that may be dumping to much fuel in causing this. Or any suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Oct 2, 2009 | 09:26 AM

Hussler

Postmaster

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,195

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From: Medford Oregon

Get a bright flashlight and look into the engine valley. It should be bone dry but if wet - moist looking then you have found your problem. It is quite common to have the fuel pump and associated hoses leak. Also some of the sensors on the fuel filter canister as the canister itself can leak. The trick here is to clean up everything really good and watch for where the leak is coming from. It usually is right down in the valley of death.

There is no rich - lean adjustment on our PSD's.

Oct 2, 2009 | 09:55 AM

Copedawg

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Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Gambrills

Welcome to FTE! X2 on what Hussler said

Oct 2, 2009 | 10:08 AM

95_Dually

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2006

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From: Vacaville, Ca

X3. No adjustments on the air fuel ratio.

Oct 2, 2009 | 11:16 AM

powrstrkr

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,313

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From: Rio Rancho NM

If you don't see any leaks, check the clamps on your fuel lines in the valley. A while ago I was getting fumes under the hood but no apparent leaks. I realized the clamps on the hoses connecting the bowl to the pump and fuel hard line tubing were slightly loose. The problem became evident after doing the fuel pressure regulator shim mod, which bumps the pressure up. It wasn't easy getting to the clamps but tightening them up solved the problem. The pump is still good but I carry a spare pump and hoses just because.

Oct 2, 2009 | 11:51 AM

drivembig

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 247

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From: NC

OK, I'll double check......That is a deep valley there. Thanks for all your help.

Oct 2, 2009 | 12:12 PM

Copedawg

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 5,259

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From: Gambrills

Get a good pinch of that cat hair and see if it's wet. If you have a Cali model and it is the fuel pump this how you can replace it: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ml#post4782663 I am about to scoot out for the weekend, goodluck with it!