Archived Fuel Leak in Hardin MT

[EGILLILAND]

Lots of fuel dripping from the area under the fuel pump. Letting the motor cool to take a closer look. Washed the area pretty good with brake cleaner. Next step I'm going to remove the fan to avoid blowing fuel everywhere. Then I hope to see the source while the wife starts the motor with me under the truck. Is this the beginning of the end of my pump? Anyone know a cummins dude in the Hardin/Billings area?



I'll update as I go.



If you think you can help over the phone here's my cell:



605-431-2248.



Thanks in advance.



Gill



PS. Anyone recommend a good conditioner to follow up a diesel shampooing?

 

[Ron Bissett]

Check line and fittings going in and out of the pump most leaks are in the line fittings do to over tightening or not tight enough or if rubber just cracking do to age and effect of fuel. Don't think that fan will have to be taken off just to look just idle should be OK ,or run then shut off and look . Ron in Metro Louisville KY P. S time will get rid of diesel .

 

[EGILLILAND]

Here's what I know

The fuel is running down the left rear side of the motor and dripping right at the TC cover (front of the transmission). I'm trying to account for all the fuel lines in that area. It looks like there's two metal lines, one input one return (I assume), that run up the left frame rail. They run together until about half way up the left side of the TC housing where they "Y" off. One heads towards the transfer pump, the other goes higher up the back center area of the motor. . off into regions I can't see (this is the area I suspect that's leaking). This line is the return line to the fuel tank... Yes? If thats the case is there a banjo fitting or something like it near the aft rear portion of the motor hidden by the firewall?



Reason I ask... I just had a new ATS transmission installed. Curious if the transmission install could have knocked loose a fitting or something like that.



Again to all my TDR budros... thanks in advance.



Your ideas are appreciated.



Gill

 

[Thomas]

Check the return line. From the Dave Fritz Site:



"Low fuel economy and/or fuel leakage

Fuel return hose behind the fuel filter has a reputation for failure and leakage

Reported by several people including myself! Rams over 3 years old: beware!

Regular fuel hose has a short life, use fuel injection line.

Metal low pressure return line from the overflow valve cracked. "

 

[EGILLILAND]

thomas wins the prize

Wow, what an adventure.



From the aforementioned web site:



Low fuel economy and/or fuel leakage

Fuel return hose behind the fuel filter has a reputation for failure and leakage

Reported by several people including myself! Rams over 3 years old: beware!

Regular fuel hose has a short life, use fuel injection line.

Metal low pressure return line from the overflow valve cracked



This was my very situation. The hard part was getting the part and finding someone to replace the broken line. In my case it was actually the hard line that failed. Cracked. Good thing I didn't get to tweakin on the overflow valve too hard trying to tighten it down... . the line would have snapped off in my hand. Then my leak would have become a diesel fuel power washer and I would have been done.



I managed to limp into Billings. ( My apologies to the residents of montana... there's about 8 gallons of diesel spread evenly between Hardin and Billings... hope it helps prevent ice next winter) The guys at Lithia Dodge (Billings) were great. Shawn Zimmerman, the mechanic at Lithia, did an amazing job. Stayed late on a Friday evening to help me get back on the road. This guy has a friend for life in me. Saved my vacation... so far.



Take care everyone.



Gill

 

[Ron Bissett]

Thanks for the heads up . I will carry a pipe cutter and a proper size hose with band clamps in my emergency road service do it your self kit for down side the road fix till I can get it home and do it right box. I will remove line at fittings one or two depends where it cracks and if cutter can be used to cut out bad part slide clamps and hose over ends clamp to tight and go . Again thanks for the information . Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY

 

[illflem]

Gill, glad to hear the guys in Billings got you going.



Ron, LarryB offers a complete hose kit for cheaper than most of us can buy just one hose- http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm