Fuel leak

[2w091]

I've noticed when our vehicle is idling there is a small drip of diesel near the passenger front side of the engine, about 8 inches from the tire. It is a very slow drip, we idle a lot and I'm concerned about fire risk.
I've been told it may be a seal problem in the fuel pump, anyone know what kind of seal or a part number. I looked in the tech data, but couldn't find anything (please keep in mind, I'm learning as I go).
Suggestions?

 

[DatGuyC]

I've heard the return lines on the injectors tend to dry rot and that causes a lot of leaks.

 

[hummer4x4guy]

Diesel doesn't burn like gasoline so don't worry too much about that part of it. Check top of your injectors are they all dry?

 

[Mike82ndABN]

I would clean that side of the engine with super clean and then once it dries off try and figure out where the leak is from, otherwise you are wasting your time.

Likely it's from the injectors/hoses, but the fuel lift pump is on the front right of the motor so it could be that too. The lift pump has a paper gasket where it seals against a metal plate on the block, and that metal plate has a paper gasket where it seals against the block itself. Both of those gaskets do not contact fuel though, they seal against oil from the block. The lift pump has a diaphragm in it which can tear, mine did, and fuel was entering the vent lines and contaminating my hubs, diffs, transmission and transfer case. The fuel in the vent line was also working it's way up the vent line to the air cleaner and spewing out up there, which then runs out the dump valve and down to the floor.

 

[2w091]

I did check the air cleaner, it's dry and clean. I had a mechanic check the hubs during our pre-winter servicing, he said they were fine, I'll double check with him as well. I'll check the injector lines, hopefully I can isolate the area.
We're doing this on a shoestring budget, thanks for all replies!

 

[tage]

Diesel doesn't burn like gasoline so don't worry too much about that part of it.

^^
I have bought many trucks with leaking IP's that have been leaking for years and 1,000's of miles. However, the chemie term; like dissolves like applies. Will swell rubber parts.
Make sure you replace the rubber fuel line that is rated for diesel. They are not all made the same.