Archived Leaking fluid

[fmj]

Currently in Chula Vista, CA campground and when we came off road it smelled like fuel. Fluid is clear. I got under hood and looked to see where it was coming from. Appears to be dripping from under battery box and only when truck is running. Isn't there a reservoir for vacuum pump under there? Don't have manual with me and as I recall there is no fuel that goes anywhere near there???? I need help before I tear everything apart and maybe a place to do it. Campground will probably throw a fit if I work on it here. What can be leaking there, fuel or steering fluid, and from what??? Truck is a 2001, 2500. I only live a 150 miles from here and would try to make it home, but don't want a fire. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[petersonj]

You said that when you came off of the road "it smelled like fuel". Does what is dripping from under the battery box smell like fuel? Also, which battery box?

All of the fuel lines, injection pump, lift pump and filter housing (if still stock) are on the left side of the engine. I notice that your signature indicates that you have a fuel pressure gauge. Is the plumbing for the gauge routed near the battery box?

The vacuum pump does not have a reservoir. The vacuum pump is mounted on the back of the timing gear cover just below the fuel injection pump. The power steering pump is mounted on the back of the vacuum pump.

- John

 

[p-Bar]

Sure it's not coolant ? water pump going bad slinging the coolant?

 

[BigPapa]

My bet's on washer fluid for the leak. No clue on the fuel smell without seeing the truck.

 

[fmj]

John, thanks for reply. The fluid smelled like diesel and was "clear". All drips are from the drivers side and seem to be coming from under battery on drivers side. I have checked the fuel pressure gage and lines from it and no leaks. I have checked the high pressure lines on engine and found nothing. I'm trying to locate a line that could be "spraying" fluid. I would assume that any leaks on high pressure fuel line's would spread fuel everywhere, so I'm looking at anything that is pre hp pump. Nome of the lines are near the battery box. Since you verified that nothing under battery box would have fluids that will save me from pulling that all apart. I also checked the fluid levels on power steering and breaks just in case the smell is misleading me. Will look again this AM. Thanks again.

 

[fmj]

Finally found the leak. It was diesel. Started truck this morning to move it to a better spot to work on and watched the fuel pressure gage go from its usual 16# down to 8. I had looked at the pressure gage line yesterday and it was dry. Turns out the sending unit which is tucked in on the fender was leaking and fuel was running down metal inter fender and went down to behind battery box. Will plug the line coming from the bottom of the filter housing to sending unit and fix when we get home. Again thanks John for suggestions and info.

 

[BigPapa]

Good deal.

 

[fmj]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Always grateful for help especially when your away from home and towing.