Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel Leaking

[tfrane]

The other day I noticed a good amount of diesel leaking on the ground from the area of the fuel filter. As I was going to be working near the dealer the next day, I thought I'd drop it off there and pick it up later. Well, they couldn't find any leak, it had stopped.

I'm pretty concerned about reliablity on long trips now. My exprience is that leaks normally get worse, not better.

Has anyone had something like this happen?



It was leaking only while the motor was running. There has not been a recent filter change to have created the problem.

Would appreciate any info.





Concerned on the coast

Tim

 

[Woodenhead]

Probably the return line. If you get under the truck and look up at the filter area you'll see a rubber fuel line. Mine leaked where it was rubbing on the metal bracket.



Take Care

Mike

 

[LRamey]

Hi Tim,

I had the same problem & I posted it here also. The responses I got all pointed to the fuel supply & return lines that lead to the filter (short rubber lines). So I changed them right away (big pain to do) & still had the problem. So then on a whim I changed the fuel pump, still had the problem. Now there isn't much left in that area & I happened to stop off to the side of the road & noticed it leaking (could never catch it when it was leaking before) & it was coming from the the water drain at the bottom of the filter! So if I were you I'd start there, or at least check it before you try anything else. When I changed mine out if I pushed up on it slowly it would kind of stick on the way. It wasn't smooth in & out. I got the thing at a local Cummins dealer for $22. 00, Dodge was $56. 00. ( now why doesn't that surprise me?)

If that isn't it then I would go for the fuel lines. If you do a search on fuel leaks there are several good hints for changing them, I know it sure helps to have someone there to give you a hand.



Lonnie

 

[rdrose]

i did some work on a truck and it was the lift pump i guess a seal or something let go and boy was it coming out, but it might of started as a small leak good place to look.

 

[tfrane]

Thanks a lot guys. I now know where to look and what to do. Think I'll change the fuel return line just for drill, I'm at 100k, then I'll check the rest.

Also, LRamey, I normally get into your area quite often, as I have had a cabin in Prineville for 15 years that i go to often.





Tim

 

[johnjackson]

Hi Tim



What everybody said sounds about right. Left the little toggle thing on the filter housing open after a filter change. Sure leaked.

Fuel return line cracked at about 140k. Fixed it at side of road. A little difficult but can be done. Takes about an 8 inch piece of 5/6" fuel hose. Think I might of had to take off fuel filter to get to it. Hour later good as new.



John

 

[TFrench]

Tim,

I had a similar intermittent problem that started out with quarter sized drops of fuel oil spotting my garage floor. At first, I could determine only that the fuel was dripping down the crankcase breather tube. Before leaving on vacation, I took my '97 3500 to the local dealer who couldn't find anything wrong. By the time I got to Maine, I had diesel fuel all over the back of my camper. I discovered the problem in a parking lot when I shut the engine down... . the oil was spraying from behind the fuel primer button on the transfer pump(?). I explained this to the dealer there and he couldn't get it to leak. When I refused to drive the truck further, he finally agreed to fix it. Oddly enough when they drove the truck into the newly painted bay to replace the pump uner warranty, it sprayed oil all over there as well... a quart or more as I recall. I've seen reports on this site where it is possible just to replace the rubber o-ring behind the fuel primer button, however, in my case they replaced the entire pump assembly. I suspect it had something to do with the change in fuel pressure that causes the leak as initially it seemed to leak only at startup or shut down. Hope this helps.

Tim

 

[tfrane]

Tfrench



I haven't worked on the truck yet and it does't seem to be leaking now. So it does seem to be an intermitant problem. I glad





you made me aware of your problem. Thanks.

Tim

 

[FATCAT]

Another Thing to Check ...

Mine was leaking pretty good about a month or so ago and if you get under the truck, and look at the inside driver's side frame rail you will see the fuel lines. Right where the metal fuel lines connect to the braded stainless steel hose, mine was leaking due to corrosion (salt on the roads in NH over the past few years and lack of a garage).



Check this spot out!

 

[CumminsPower98]

Mine started leaking where the filter drain valve mounts to the filter housing. I removed it all and did some work on and it still leaked some so I did it again and no leaks since.

 

[Steve Roseman]

I have had two fuel filters start leaking on me. Both were NAPA Gold filters and I've since switched to Fleetguard. The first filter started out just gradual but I could never find the leak, even with truck idling and the hood up. I revved the motor by hand while looking under the hood and saw it leaking through a hairline crack in the filter.

 

[Joe G.]

Tim,



There is another place to look. The return line from the injectors goes to a double banjo fitting on the input side of the fuel filter. The washer gaskets may be getting bad there. I had a hard to find leak and it was the small banjo fitting on top of the larger one. New gaskets fixed it.

 

[illflem]

Steve, your fuel pressure may be too high causing the problem. The Fleetguard filter is the same as Napa Gold. Both are Wix filters with a different paint job.

 

[Steve Roseman]

Bill, my pressure may be too high, I have never checked it.

I could feel and see a considerable difference between the two filters. The Fleetguard felt heavier and the construction looked heavier, better looking seams. I'll find out, both of the NAPA filters gave up the ghost at about 15k miles, we'll see how long the Fleetguard lasts.