Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel leak at quick disconnect?

[GrantP]

My 97 is leaving little fuel puddles like a puppy on new carpet. I assumed it was the dreaded return line and finally got a chance to get under the truck this weekend to verify. It is the return line, but it's not the rubber hose that's leaking, it's the quick disconnect just above the bellhousing that connects to the frame rail/braided line. Is there some gasket or something within that connection that can be replaced? Is there a special tool needed to disconnect it? Given how hard that return line pulses when the engine is running it's a miracle that it didn't fail a long time ago.



The return line setup seems a little goofy. There's a rubber line coming off the injection pump that connects to a 6" section of steel tube above the bellhousing. It's that short steel tube that goes into the quick disconnect that is leaking. Does this seem right or has someone hacked up this return line before me? (I bought it with 50k on it. )



Thanks in advance!

 

[JMcCoy]

I'd double check the rubber line to make sure it isn't leaking and then running to make it look as if it is leaking elswhere. I had trouble locating my leak for that very reason. I apologize I cannot assist with your questions. I'm sure others will chime in. Good luck

 

[GrantP]

I was underneath the truck yesterday while it was running and moving around lines to try to find the leak, that's how I found it was leaking at the "quick" disconnect. I could literally see the fuel spurting from the connection with each pulse in the line. Everything above that connection is dry.

 

[sstefanini]

I've been wondering about dumping this mess myself and running rubber line from the tank module all the way to the pump. The factory installation looks like some engineer got happy in the parts bin.

 

[JFought]

mine broke as well here is what i did:

i loosened tank, cut stiff rigid plastic off of metal line right next to frame)
slipped a fuel hose over, hose clamped it (but i had to spit on it to get it to slide over )

I cut the 3/4 fuel return/overflow (between frame and quatter pannel) (line going to gas door)
built a brass t assembly and slipped it in and obviously reduced it for the fuel return

i didn't have time to plug the fuel module correctly so i put a ton of good silicone over the hole the goes into tank (the fuel return line)

**only side effect**
When running, refueling won't work on the fastest setting, air is going up the 3/4 hose while the return fuel is going down.

but at a medium flow is seems fine.

Remember you have the most return amount of fuel AT IDLE, NOT WOT

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

There is an o-ring seal inside the quick disconnect.

 

[JFought]

i know, but i know mine was broken, and i thought his was as well.

 

[GrantP]

Thanks Joe. Somehow I managed to stop the leak by moving the lines around trying to find the leak in the first place. Given that the temps are going to be 100+ for the next few months I'm going to consider myself lucky and not touch it until this fall.

 

[MHalloran]

I've been wondering about dumping this mess myself and running rubber line from the tank module all the way to the pump. The factory installation looks like some engineer got happy in the parts bin.

this is what i did a few years ago... replaced both supply & return lines from tank to pump with proper marine hose... no problems, no leaks...

 

[The patriot]

Thanks Joe. Somehow I managed to stop the leak by moving the lines around trying to find the leak in the first place. Given that the temps are going to be 100+ for the next few months I'm going to consider myself lucky and not touch it until this fall.

If they leaked that easy, I wouldnt consider myself that lucky in hoping they'd hold like that until fall.....

Just sayin.....

 

[GrantP]

If they leaked that easy, I wouldnt consider myself that lucky in hoping they'd hold like that until fall.....

Just sayin.....

:-laf



Agreed, I don't know why they started leaking since I haven't done any work in that area to disturb anything, it's probably just age. I'm not complaining at this point because it was already 100 degrees at 9:30 AM this morning. If it starts leaking again so be it. It's 111 right now at 6:45 PM. If the line isn't leaking I'm not touching it, if the leaks starts again I'll do what I need to. I'm not going to voluntarily take up anything more intensive than an oil change unless I absolutely have to and deal with this once the weather is hospitable again.

 

[The patriot]

@ those temps I wouldnt volunteer working on it either. :-laf