While gearing up for a short trip from SC to Va I changed the oil along with new fuel filters since my fuel pressure was holding at about 50ish at idle. With the new filters in pressure is back up in the 60 range and doesn't get below 50 at any time.

While on the trip I noticed a diesel fuel smell coming through the ac vents while at idle and brushed it off as being spilled fuel during the change out. After a day or so the smell still persisted and I found a small leak dripping from the front of the fuel bowl. I checked the filter cap and it is tight and is not leaking. It looks to be coming from the component bolted to the front of the bowl.

I have not been able to check the tightness of that component yet but it lools like it's gonna be a pain in the A$$.

Any Ideas or possible theorys on fixing this would be appreciatied.

 

That component is the fuel pressure regulator. There is a rubber o-ring lining the shape of the casting inside. Wouldn't see why it would leak after changing the fuel filter though. Try not to tighten the screws to tight and have one break off like I did.

 

I found a fuel pressure regulator (Blue Spring) kit on ebay for $38 for shipping and all. Put it on this morning an fuel pressure up to about 68-70 psi. At WOT is was 62-64 psi. Glad I got that one done with no leaks anywhere.

Of Coarse when I fix some thing I usually break something else in the process. So this time I snapped the 3/8 barb fitting clean off aginst the radiator. Long story short I drilled and tapped a hole for a new brass fitting. So far I am leak free on fuel and coolant systems.

 

I also break stuff all the time while trying to fix things. This is how we learn lessons. Don't feel bad u are not alone! Glad to hear the leak is gone and your fuel pressure is up.

 

Im having this same issue... I found where the leak is but I cant tell if it is coming from the seal being bad or is it is a crack in the actual housing near the seal. The only thing I can find parts wise are the kits. I cant find the housing anywhere.

Any advice on figuring out exactlt where the leak is coming from?

 

The original kits come with the entire front piece there that bolts on to the housing.

Order up the blue spring kit with just the spring and the o-ring 6E7Z-9C165-B Then if you need the other parts get them after. I've got a spare front piece if you need one. If the bowl itself is busted, then just find a used one on the forums. Or, here is the P/N for a new fuel bowl (attached to the oil bowl) 3C3Z-9C166-AA

 

What is the blue spring? I have heard people changing a spring but never knew what it was?

 

It's the factory fuel pressure regulator. On the fuel bowl on top of the motor, you'll see a small "front cover" held on with 4 torx bits. You take that off and there is a spring in there, you swap out for a stiffer spring and it pops off at a higher pressure, allowing more pressure to build up before it sends fuel back to the tank. It's really a crappy design. The spring bumps pressure up at idle, but typically at WOT it doesn't change much. Some trucks do, some don't. It will never fix a low volume/supply issue, that's a pump.

 

So nothin I need to change I just thought it was an upgrade

 

It is an upgrade, the injectors can be hurt by low fuel pressure because the plunger can hit the injector tip too hard and even break the tip if there is not enough fuel in the injector. It is cheap insurance for you motor, I noticed a better idle right after the install