Ford Techs--7.3 Ford super duty Diesel smell

[FED 387]

2000 F250 Super duty diesel---Just lately started smelling diesel (by the engine)after I shut the truck off---Maybe for an hour then it goes away--No leaks -nothing on the ground, engine is dry ,no leaks at the fuel filter---Any ideas where to look??? OR why this is happening---Have owned the truck since new has about 95,000 miles on it---I service this thing regularly oil & filter every 5000 mi--Air filter and fuel filters every other oil change---Runs great just started to smell in the last 6 weeks Thanx Comp 387

[SStockDart]

I've got a 7.3......try looking around the fuel pump. It is located directly under the drivers door, attached to the frame rail. Also, I know you checked the fuel filter, but, I once changed the filter and had the top tight, however, a real fine spray of diesel was leaking from the seal. Could hardly see it, but could smell it. Good Luck.

[FED 387]

Thanx will check both of those areas---What kind of milage do you get??? Mine is a super cab with auto trans and 373 gear 2 wheel drive I have been getting about 15 around town and just under 19 hwy at about 60-62 mph and just under 13 towing a 24 ft enclosed trailer weighs about 7000 pounds with all my stuff---Comp 387

[Eric Merryfield]

Originally Posted by FED 387

Thanx will check both of those areas---What kind of milage do you get??? Mine is a super cab with auto trans and 373 gear 2 wheel drive I have been getting about 15 around town and just under 19 hwy at about 60-62 mph and just under 13 towing a 24 ft enclosed trailer weighs about 7000 pounds with all my stuff---Comp 387

I had the same issue with my 105K mile 96 F450 rollback.....it was leaking from the filter, changed it, took 4-5 trys to get it right and puke free.....find something to put under your truck! Check tightness first, then if it isn't the filter, then you are going to be needing more work.

This site is just outstanding.

http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/powers~1.htm

I think I get 13 or so towing my challenger on the bed, haven't towed my 24 bandit yet with it. Up to 15 in normal driving.

If you don't have one yet, get the tech manual, I got mine off ebay on DVD+R for 30 bucks or so, it is quite helpful.

Good luck

Eric Merryfield

[gmonde]

i have a 1995 f350 one of the first years of the power stroke,mine has a mechanical pump i had a few small leaks at the fuel pump in the valley of the engine,if the leak is small enough the fuel will smell and evaporate,also check your fuel filter housing these things are seapers,once again not enough to make a mess but enough to smell,check the fuel lines on the motor they rust and leak also down to the braided lines off of the frame rails the newer trucks 2001 and up have the electric fuel pump,
i have a 5 speed i can get 20-21 mpg empty 13-14 towing,i tow about 9000 lbs 24ft enclosed trailer

good luck gmonde

[2Ton71]

A friend of mine said something about the new low sulfur fuel causing seals to fail around the injector pump and some other places. May want to check there. I put 6oz of Lucas Fuel Treatment in the truck when I fill up and I haven't had any problems.

I have a 2000 F250, 2wd 6speed with a 7.3. I get about 14.5-15mpg hauling a 4000lb car on an open trailer, and a small load in the bed. It has 192,000 miles on it. Still purrs like a kitten. Great trucks!

[Terry Cain]

There's a fuel block up by the filter. Make sure there's no leaks there. Friend had one that was leaking there. It took forever to find because fuel would sit on lifter valley cover and boil off.

[FED 387]

Thanx guys will check all of your ideas on Sat---the fuel boiling off makes sense cuz the smell starts right after you shut the truck off and in about 1 hour it is gone---Never smell anything while I'm driving just after you shut the truck off and then only for about an hour ---Thanx again Comp387

[Donnie Ross]

Check the water drain valve on the filter, these will leak and cause this problem. Check also the hose from the drain at the lower front of the engine the valves fail to seal and fuel will come out the hose in small quanities.

[Mike Pearson]

Check your fuel cap. It might be cracked or the seal might be missing