Its definitely leaking at the pump. The hpo system didn't leak at all after I pressurized the system from the STC fitting on the branch tube. I thiught the discharge tube was going to be the fault, so I ran to ford and got one. Bolted it uo and much to my dismay, it still leaks. I can't tell where on the pump it's coming from, but I know that the pump is leaking. When I pulled the pump and put shop air into the top of the pump, it just dumped right back out. Thats why I was curious. I removed the 1/4" allan screw on the bottom of the pump and the ball is there, but the ball stayed in the pump and the fitting came out. Could that damn thing have been my problem the whole time? Should I just replace the pump? The IPR has been replaced and the first IPR had the screen filled with metal filings...

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Oh!!! Misunderstood your comment about the ball. Yes the ball in the side of the pump is firmly in place.

 

Well, that sucked...

Has anybody ever blown out the front seal on the HPOP? I did. The shaft seal by the gear was blown out and leaking. I'm replacing the HPOP right now. Ill upload some pics if I can get them (had to return the core). I hope that's the problem. Gunna do a leak test when I get the HPOP cover back on and test through the oil rail. If it still leaks it's gunna keep leaking until I can get the truck to the shop and have them fix it. I need to haul a couple 55 gallon drums 50 miles and I can't do it in my car!

Ill keep ya posted.

 

Alright... I know this is an old thread, but I'm updating it in case it can help somebody later. I replaced the HPOP and the issue went away. It's been starting and running great for about a month now. Still have a little work to do yet, HPO leak on the drivers side oil hose and a bad ICP sensor pigtail. Just gotta find the time to do it. Thanks for all the help!