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chris cross · 02-11-2013, 11:02 AM

I was parked for 2 months in San Diego at my mother-in-laws home. When I left she called me and said there was a sizable puddle of diesel about where the engine was. When I got home (900 miles) I had forgotten her message (senior moments). Today after being home for 2 weeks she reminded me and I went to the coach and saw a slow drip. I don't have any idea what I was looking at other than a couple of hoses (hydraulic) that the drip was dripping from on the lowest point of the curve.The hoses were affixed to something on each side and just acted as a conduit for the diesel. Even I don't understand what I just wrote. I know it's not hydraulic fluid. It's just that these hoses are at the lowest point.
How could diesel drip from the engine? for such a long period of time?
Any help that doesn't cost thousands of $$k will be most appreciated.
Thanks

Luckiest Dreamer · 02-11-2013, 11:07 AM

Touch the puddle and smell! What is it? It can be Diesel, transmission fluid, antifreeze, or oil. Thats a start.

Lars99 · 02-11-2013, 11:08 AM

Chris,
Have you had any recent service prior to parking it at your mother in laws? Which engine do you have? Are you sure its diesel? Could most likely be coolant from a loose hose clamp. Larry

rdownward · 02-11-2013, 12:20 PM

Hi Chris. I had the same problem with my '03 with the ISC engine. The problem was that the lift pump was leaking. I was initially able to stop the leak just by tightening the mounting bolts on the top of the lift pump housing. Then it began leaking again (although not as badly) so I replaced the lift pump and haven't had a problem since. I would bet that the lift pump is the source of your leak and if you just tighten the mounting bolts, it will correct it. The mounting bolts are on top of the bracket where the pump is mounted underneath. Here are some photos of where the lift pump is on my engine.

tiredvet · 02-11-2013, 12:49 PM

^^^^ Good advice Roger. Snug the bolts down,took care of the puddle mine used to leave. I'm still on the original lift pump, nock on wood.

vsheetz · 02-11-2013, 02:21 PM

I have had an injector leak diesel - and a hydraboost leak brake bliud. Both ran down and around hoses before leaving for the ground, making it not obvious what the source was.

Rich and Cork · 02-11-2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

Hi Chris. I had the same problem with my '03 with the ISC engine. The problem was that the lift pump was leaking. I was initially able to stop the leak just by tightening the mounting bolts on the top of the lift pump housing. Then it began leaking again (although not as badly) so I replaced the lift pump and haven't had a problem since. I would bet that the lift pump is the source of your leak and if you just tighten the mounting bolts, it will correct it. The mounting bolts are on top of the bracket where the pump is mounted underneath. Here are some photos of where the lift pump is on my engine.

When I replaced the manifold, I also replaced the lift pump. It was only leaking a little.......but that is not good.

nwcountry · 02-11-2013, 06:20 PM

Wow, nice job on showing what the problem could be! I just want to commend you on your know-how with engines, as well as using software

denise

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

Hi Chris. I had the same problem with my '03 with the ISC engine.

tiredvet · 02-11-2013, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

Hi Chris. I had the same problem with my '03 with the ISC engine. The problem was that the lift pump was leaking. I was initially able to stop the leak just by tightening the mounting bolts on the top of the lift pump housing. Then it began leaking again (although not as badly) so I replaced the lift pump and haven't had a problem since. I would bet that the lift pump is the source of your leak and if you just tighten the mounting bolts, it will correct it. The mounting bolts are on top of the bracket where the pump is mounted underneath. Here are some photos of where the lift pump is on my engine.

Hey Roger, why is the electronic plug disconnected in your middle photo. Just wondering?

rdownward · 02-12-2013, 08:49 AM

The plug was disconnected originally in order to gain access to the bottom area of the lift pump. I also had to remove the wiring harness bracket to get down there. That was before I realized that all you have to do to tighten the pump is to tighten the bolts on top of the mounting housing. I tend to learn by making mistakes or trial and error and this is just one example of that!

tiredvet · 02-12-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

The plug was disconnected originally in order to gain access to the bottom area of the lift pump. I also had to remove the wiring harness bracket to get down there. That was before I realized that all you have to do to tighten the pump is to tighten the bolts on top of the mounting housing. I tend to learn by making mistakes or trial and error and this is just one example of that!

Trial and error is my life history.

chris cross · 02-12-2013, 11:16 AM

Thanks to everyone's suggestions, BUT, I have the leak without the engine running and it had not run for a week or two. Would that not rule out the lift pump ? I hope I'm wrong on that because I would much prefer to tighten the aforementioned bolts.

rdownward · 02-13-2013, 08:33 AM

My lift pump was leaking while the engine was NOT running. It actually didn't leak while the engine was running and warmed up. I think there have been other threads relating to this and as I recall those also occurred while the engine was NOT running. It's an easy fix so give it a try.

tiredvet · 02-13-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

My lift pump was leaking while the engine was NOT running. It actually didn't leak while the engine was running and warmed up. I think there have been other threads relating to this and as I recall those also occurred while the engine was NOT running. It's an easy fix so give it a try.

^x2 I only noticed mine leaking when it was parked. The lift pump only runs for a timed period. Try to tighten the bolts (three I think) I only got one of my bolts to budge( 1/8 to a 1/4 turn)but that took care of the leak. Take some gunk or some other cleaner and clean the area well, let dry and cycle the lift pump 3-4 times and check for results. Good luck.