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Hey All, Have a diesel leak on top of the motor and can't find extactly WHERE it's coming from. Looks like the side plunger has issues, but then the rear injector lines also look wet. Please look at the pics and let me know what YOU think. Thanks for your time.
P.S. Engine is in an RV that has 43K original miles but was sitting unused for many years - if that helps any. Thanks again!
It looks like the seal to the plunger for the advance. It probably can be replaced on the truck since the seal (if that is what is leaking) is housed in the assembly that screws out like a nut. Your plunger rod (not sure of proper name) is probably worn as well. The seal comes in the $24 (2008) kit and the rod will have to be ordered. If you are placing an order make sure the cam is not worn on the connected linkage, I think it is about $8. I hope this helps, keep us posted.
Thanks for the help fellas. I'm gonna clean everything and lay some cardboard underneath to confirm the leak point(s). Since the engine still starts and runs GREAT, I might just leave it leaking until I can't stand it any longer.
Other option is to replace it with the rebuilt IP that I got from Pensacola. Also have the injector return-line kit that I can do at the same time. I'm in that "don't fix it if it ain't broker" dilema. Sure, it leaks, but still runs like there's no problem.
My only real worry is that me and family will be going cross-country SOON in the RV and I can't have it down while on the road. So, do I fix it now and risk install problems? Or just leave it and let it leak? Advice anyone???
Umm, if you think the IP is okay, why did you get another one? IP's, for the most part, don't often 'quit' working, they still work, but their performance along with that of the injectors gradually gets worse. Many guys on here have stated that their truck ran fine, but then replaced the IP and injectors and it woke the truck right up again. I know my dually needs that treatment right now, but I think it's going to have to wait likely until winter to get done.
Bought a back-up IP & fuel return-line kit for that "just in case" scenario while on the road. The 6.9 is in an RV, so we might be out in BFE when something goes wrong. As far as replacing right now, I'm tempted. Still, with such low miles (43K), I can't imagine that a new IP/Injectors would make much of a diff regarding performance.
Hmmmm, gonna report back after I clean and find the leak. Thanks for your time!
Didn't realize that it only had 43K miles....missed that at the beginning. Another thing you could try is to pull the fuel filter, fill it with diesel kleen, put it back on and start/run the truck for about 2 minutes. Shut it off, and let it sit for a couple hours, this lets the diesel kleen work it's way through the IP and injectors, and often helps. A lot of guys will also dump about 2-3x the recommended dose in the tank at the same time.
Ran her around the block today and no leak. So, looks like I have a random, minor IP leak that doesn't effect the engine. Sounds like it might be prudent to just run her until she either leaks constantly and/or doesn't run well.
Thanks for the advice about the Diesel Kleen. FYI: Read on another forum that ATF is also good for both cleaning as well as detection, as it's red in color and easy to see. They said fill up the fuel filter with ATF, run it a little and stop. Then look for the RED spot. Might do this if it starts to leak again.
Thanks for all your help and I'll see ya on the forum.
ATF is red....... which is the color of farm diesel
farm diesel is ILLEGAL to run in over the road vehicles and will get you a heavy fine if you get pulled over.....
diesel kleen is about 5-7 bucks..... way cheaper than that fine will be
even if you only put it in the filter it will still run through the return system and back to the tank coloring all the fuel red.... a little bit goes along way.....