Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel Leak Concern...

[fkovalski]

I filled up as usual and I will open the purge valve located on the fuel filter housing about every 5 or so fill ups as a matter of habit. I did it this time and everything seemed normal. The handle went back into place and fuel stopped purging out. I finish the fill and continued out. At a stop light right after fueling I smelled diesel. Light turns green and end up spinning the tires on “dry” pavement (all that damn torque I guess) as I took off. I look in the rear view mirror and saw that I actually was spinning on fuel that I had dropped. I immediately pulled over to see that fuel was gushing out of the down tube of the purge valve. The handle on the valve was in its supposed locked position. I opened and closed it again causing the fuel to slow to a very slight trickle. I went on for about 4 miles and pulled over to check it again to witness only a few sizable drops spewing out. 50 miles later upon inspection it seemed fine although the fuel was coating the underside and suspension of the truck.

My questions are these: has anyone out their in TDR land experienced this? I have not read any thread alluding to it. What am I looking at to repair/ replace(?) the purge valve at the fuel filter if it is the culprit?

My other main concern is this: if diesel is being spilled past the normal route, is sufficient fuel getting to the injector pump?

Any and all advice is appreciated. –frank.

 

[Mundgyver]

What you are describing sounds like there might be a piece of crud in the valve holding it open when you close the valve. I would pull the filter out and check the bottom of the filter bowl real close for trash, crud, particles, or anything else that should not be there. Good luck

 

[gonehuntingagain]

Lifting up the lever forces the valve open; however when you push the lever down, the lever does not force the valve to close (i'm not sure what, if anything would force it to close). I know that I have to push on top of the valve to close it after I lower the lever. If I don't do this, I will leak fuel all over.



I think the only way to fix this would be to remove the valve and clean it. There isn't any crud in the bottom of the filter bowl.

 

[MCharlebois]

fuel

there is a 3 foot circle undrr my spot in the drive where i did SAME thing-left the truck running -start back to the house-look back what the @#$$$ -been there six months

 

[jrollins]

yea, i have had the same problem, i think dodge was aware of the issue but i don't think a TSB was ever put out. I think they were just replacing the drain valve for fixes. but like i said mine has done the same thing on occasion but after a couple of bumps on the valve it has always stopped.

 

[fkovalski]

UPDATE: Has not leaked overnight. But the diesel smell is incredible as one can imagine!

I will be taking the truck to the dealer this week for an oil change. (Don't hasrass me, they're free ) I will have them do another fuel filter (you are free to burn me on this one ) and I will have them check the valve. I wonder if the valve service is covered under the engine 5/100K? If it is, I'll bet they replace it.



Any replies to my question concerning fuel bypassing the system and not getting full pressure/ volume to the injector pump?