I have a '99 F-250 powerstroke 7.3L with 'bout 230,000 miles on it

Often when i start it up (60-70% of the time) it spews fluid (looks like oil) from the right side of the engine compartment. Not sure exactly where from... just see it when I pull away.
My engine oil level doesn't seem to be going down... I've lost enough fluid that i should notice a difference.

This is my first diesel and I don't know much about them. i would appreciate any ideas.

 

HI vepr308, Are you sure it's OIL??? Cause my 1999 F-250 leaked in the same area, and it was the valve attached to the water/fuel seperator it was leaking diesel. FORD charged me $44 for the part !!!

 

Maybe catch a sample and see if it has any sort of odor to it.

 

Not sure if it's oil... I'll try to catch some to find out for sure...
The couple of times I've looked for it, there was no leak...

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Ok, I got a whiff of it... definately diesel.
I see a puddle of fuel behind/under the filter/separater/valve.
How hard is it to change that valve? How can I be sure that it IS the valve?

 

If there is a puddle it's the valve, it will cost you $44 at the FORD deal, It's not hard to change, you will need an allen, don't remember which size

 

https://www.dieselbombers.com/ford-p...ve-repair.html

 

ok.. replaced that expensive and cheaply made little valve, no more leak... For now!