Slight Fuel leak!!! (Long)

[JJW_ND]

In the process of changing the lift pump on my 96 5sp, I removed the fuel filter (canister style) to get better access. Change was pretty straight forward and went quite well. I noticed I put a slight dent in the fuel filter when removeing it. It was brand new, so I reinstalled. Dent seamed pretty harmless Truck ran great with no leaks



Drove probably 300 miles over several days with no hint of any problems.



Winter decided to show up here the day we planned a trip to the NW part of ND. Had a full pickup load of old baby cloths and stuff we were giving to the inlaws. Load up family and headed. Had about 7" of snow on the ground, 30 mph NW winds and air temps about 5 above and snowing real hard. Nice day for a drive.



A few mile done the interstate, one of the bags flies out (this would prove to be a very good thing). Turn around to go back and get it and get a strong smell of fuel when headed down wind.



"Whats that all about"



Picked up bag, fasten things a little to prevent that again (Was always up wind). "Dam its cold out!"

Head for the next exit to head back west and on the overpass I notice my idle does not go back to normal (Throttle linkage all new... . Whats up with that now). I decide to stop on the onramp just to check things out and when I get out standing down wind now I imediately see fuel pouring out from the engine area. Pop hood and see fuel spraying big time from the darn dent in the fuel filter. This Exit had no sign of life for dozens of miles. Its almost a blizzard out and wife and kids are asking it their is a problem.



We head for the closest exit with service (only about 5 miles). Truck is running find the whole time other then increase idle when the wind is hitting the driver side... . lots of extra fuel fumes sucking in the BHAF.



Had a neighbor run out a spare from home to change outside in the snow storm laying on an engine that is dripping wet from warm fuel everywhere. Exhaust side stayed dry (I know this was a very good thing. ). You would be surprised how fast you can change a 12V pre 97 fuel filter if needed.



Quck run home to sprayed everything down with simple green and pourd a few buckets of hot water. Headed out again and all was fine. Cab now smell from simple green the first 100 miles or so.



When I fueled up and calculated the difference of what I should have got for mpg I blew out about 10 gallons in those few miles. That 28 psi really moves the fuel!



My truck never had a hint of diesel smell, and like most of you was squeaky clean engine and all with 210K on it. I hope someday the fuel smell with go away.



Live and learn!



jjw

ND

 

[illflem]

Sorry it was you who had to learn why they say not to use damaged filters right on the side of them. I'm guiltily of the same thing but have never had a problem. Think I'll listen to directions from now on, could have been a real drag if it was an oil filter instead.



Did your tick go away with the new pump?

 

[JJW_ND]

No it did not, tick is still around but very tempurature related. I have oversensative ears. Need to just ignore wintertime noises. They are plentyfull and almost often nothing to worry about.



I guess I got a good spare lift pump now.



jjw

ND

 

[JohnE]

Hi Guys;



Here's a good one for 2 seasoned winter drivers.



I noticed the tick really drops if I use a good stout mix of #1 in the tank as in past 10%. It doesn't go away, but the it makes a difference. The CI noise (diesel knock) goes up, but not too much.



The power steering unit still makes plenty of hiss & click as I haven't taken the time to drain & refill with the Valvoline semi synth Bill pointed me toward.



It does require temps to be a solid single digit or lower for the noises to appear.



How's the BHAF jjw? Did you replace it, too?



-John

 

[Champane Flight]

$%#@ return fuel line

It has struck again. Went up to see the kids this weekend. Came out this morning and went to start up. It ground for a second and I thought "It wasn't that cold last night". Finally started after giving throttle. It was then I suspected something wrong. I drove it across town and then smelled the diesel, looked under the hood and saw the tell tale sign of line leak. Crawled under it and looked up at a seeping return line.



The worst part is that I am 100 miles from my shop and tools. So I just headed down the road for home. I now have a waterproofed under carriage. Tomorrow I will tear into it. I wish I could get ahold of some marine fuel line. All I have is NAPA stuff in the shop. I guess I will put a new line on in two more years. The first one lasted three and this one lasted four. It is a bummer living in Podunk sometimes... .

 

[JJW_ND]

BHAF still in. Did not get any fuel directly on it... just lots of fumes.



I to think the tick is related to "thick" fuel. I only run #2 and additive. The day of the blowout, I am sure the fuel temps was in the single digits.



BTW... . that weekend we finally got to our destination (Watford City, ND) truck sat out all night. It was a -28F in the am. Started up to move vehicles for snow plows. Drove about 30 miles. Never got above zero all day and near -30 that next night. No gellups or problems.



jjw

ND