leaking fuel line/ hard starting

[Rhondasway]

I'm new to this stuff, so could use a little guidance... I have 178,000 miles, and just started having prob's starting my truck. It first only happened facing up-hill, now is intermittent and does not seem to relate to anything. I was told by some knowledgeable folks that it is probably the infamous 12 valve rubber fuel line, but upon spending a couple of hours under the hood/under the truck, the only fuel I see is below the rubber line, at the rear end of the steel tube right where it joins into the braided line. Any suggestions? I can definately smell diesel when near the truck, and am now seeing some on the ground.

Batteries are strong, starter is new, fuel is good, truck runs great... Thanks for any info!

 

[Joe G.]

That's the hose alright. It runs down the fuel line and drips off there. If it's original fuel hose it usually leaks from the end of the hose.

 

[Six_Man_Diesel]

Replace the rotten rubber return line, and you will be fine. .

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks for the input! I hate to be difficult, but the rubber line is absolutely dry. It is not cracked and does not seem to be brittle either. The end that connects to the steel lines is dry all the way around, as is the steel line up to the point where it adjoins the braided line. I believe there is some sort of disconnect there, and there are what appear to be fiberglass threads loose around it, and it is soaking wet from there on back about 2-3 feet under the truck. Is it possible that this time it is not the rubber line, but the braided line or connector? If so, what is the fix? Do I need to replace the line all the way back to the tank? The braided line seems to be hard-connected to the long steel line under the truck. Thank you all for the help! Rhonda

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

That quick disconnect fitting has an o ring seal. It is possible that is the leak--get a new fuel-compatible o ring.

 

[Rhondasway]

I can't believe it could be that simple! I'm so excited! Will give it a try as soon as I can, and let you-all know if it worked. Thanks Joe!

 

[jrobinson1]

I had a similar problem. I beleive it was the metal fuel line above where you are finding the fuel. When I went to look at the spoken of O-ring I found metal portion of the line above it had worn through against the bell housing. A little brazig and good to go. Good luck!



james

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks for the additional information. Haven't had the chance to get under there yet, but will as soon as I can.