Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel Leak Along Side Of Motor!

[ralee]

Just recently my 97 CTD has started dropping fuel on the pavement! It appears to be coming from the left side of the motor. Probably along the rear end of the injection pump to the fuel filter area. Almost at the same time she has taken to starting in the morning with a little difficulty. Yet when warm, starting is quick and sure, same as always. Power is up to normal and running is good.

Any ideas?

 

[DavidGardner]

Change out the fuel return lines. You have described exactly what my 95 12 valve was doing. You can get new & improved fuel lines from Larry B's. He is an advertiser in the TDR magazine. They are a pita to change. This is fairly common on the 12valves.

 

[mclunas]

make sure all the bolts on the fuel plate cover are tight my friend had the same problem on his 95 he only had one bolt left in it the rest had all rattled out

 

[Bobcat698]

make sure all the bolts on the fuel plate cover are tight my friend had the same problem on his 95 he only had one bolt left in it the rest had all rattled out

That would cause an oil leak though, probably not a fuel leak.

 

[WDaniels]

Check the fuel filter or the fuel heater. My fuel filter started leaking in the cold. I think it is the new fuel. I'm converting my 97 to the spin on fuel filter.

WD

 

[SMorneau]

I have replaced the hard fuel return line from the P-pump twice! the line developed leaks by/in the welds that join the mount tabs to the line. I'm not kidding twice! Once by the forward tab and next on the rear tab.

 

[ralee]

Good morning everyone, thanks for the helpful info. I took a little time under the truck looking in the areas that all of you talked about and there seemed a lot of raw fuel being leaked around the bottom of the fuel filter, yet the upper sides and top of the filter was dry. There is a small device just below the filter and next to the block that was saturated and I could not tell if the fuel was leaking onto this device or if it was doing the leaking! More time under there is warranted. I am handicapped so it is difficult to get under there effectively. Thanks,

Richard

 

[Joe G.]

If you have a digital camera maybe you can post a picture of the device. Or a better description of what it looks like and where it is. Most things that leak will cause the lift pump to drip fuel. It's under everything so the fuel drips from there. It sounds to me like you may have a return hose leak.



You should update your signature so we know exactly what we are dealing with.



Depending on your handicap (I have some experience with that sort of thing because of my wife) it may help to put the truck on the highest axle stands you can find. Four of them.

 

[ralee]

Good news! I took the truck down to a local repair shop that specializes in Mopar`s, including CTD, and he found that the return lines were leaking, along with another neoprene line that is down in the same area. Yippeeee! He will repair and fix along with a transmission svc. , this monday.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond to my post, this forum is a great breath of fresh air, best to you all!
Richard