Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Air leak in fuel system?

[TJarecke]

When I leave my truck sit for a couple hours and then start it, it starts ok with a little fuel. Sometimes it quits and I have to start it again. Then it lopes at around 500rpm for about 30 sec before it smoothes out and idles fine at 800rpm.

I assume it is a leak in the fuel system somewhere. I changed the hose on the return line and I changed the overflow valve. Where next? Do I change the piece of hose between the lift pump and the strainer? I will eventually change all of the lines from the tank to the lift pump, but I am going to wait until I change the box on the truck.

Am I on the right track or does this sound like something else?

Thanks

 

[Greenleaf]

Yes. Your right. But, you need to test the supply psi and the fuel heater for leakage. It will leak 'round the body and the electrical connection.

 

[TurboFan]

Greenleaf is right. I just fixed a leaky fuel heater.

When I pulled the electrical connector off the fuel heator, it was wet with diesel. If yours is wet, bingo.

I had a diesel injection shop tell me to go to Cummins and spend the money and replace the whole pre-screen/fuel heater unit rather than just replace the leaky heater section. I still don't know why but I bit the bullet and did it.



Another tip. In my case, when I pushed the hand plunger on the lift pump a few times, I could actually hear a tiny sucking sound. I got a 4 foot section of rubber hose (garden hose works) and put one end to my ear and the other near the heater plug. It was loud. A good way to pinpoint a noise. You probably already knew that trick though.



Good luck

 

[TJarecke]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to look at these things. I plan on pulling my starter to put the new contacts in it and when I have it out I will finally be able to work on my pump and fuel heater.

 

[DJWyckoff]

I removed my heater from my truck 2 years after I got it cause it leaked (the heater never worked any way) use an allen wrench and put the bowl back mine works fine in the cold and all (WV 3*-4* mornings) good luck