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I have a fuel leak from the drainage valve on the fuel filter on my 2001 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel 3500. I've changed the drainage valve and it's still leaking. What else could the problem be

Marian, Sounds like you could

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 15:38.

Marian,

Sounds like you could have misdiagnosed the location of the fuel leak. Describe in detail your leak detection methods, and we'll tell you where you may have gone wrong.

OK... I see fuel leaking out

Submitted by marian_franks@y... on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 16:10.

OK...
I see fuel leaking out of the drainage valve that's located on the fuel filter canister. I replaced the drainage valve and I can see fuel still leaking out. What else could be the problem besides a faulty drainage valve?

I say leaking - it's dripping

Submitted by marian_franks@y... on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 16:27.

I say leaking - it's dripping very constantly.

it's probley a crack in the

Submitted by mws919 on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 17:05.

it's probley a crack in the filter housing, there's a bulletin on it, i'll post it, let me know.

NO: 14-02-00
SUBJECT: Crack In Diesel Fuel Filter Housing Cover Caused By An Improper Servicing Procedure
DATE: April 14, 2000
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.9L – 24V DIESEL ENGINE BUILT BEFORE ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER 56686747 WITH A DATE OF MANUFACTURE OF FEBRUARY 09, 2000. THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE ENGINE DATA PLATE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE, AFFIXED TO THE GEAR HOUSING.

DISCUSSION:
Quality analysis of returned fuel filter housing covers has determined that a number of plastic covers are being replaced due to cracks. Further analysis has revealed that the cracks may be caused by improper cover removal procedures.

NOTE: DO NOT USE THE SQUARE OPENING TO REMOVE OR INSTALL THE COVER (FIGURE 1). THE FUEL FILTER COVER MAY CRACK.

NOTE: TO REMOVE OR INSTALL THE FUEL FILTER COVER CORRECTLY, ONLY USE THE 1 1/8" HEX HEAD. USE OF A SIX POINT SOCKET IS PREFERRED. DO NOT USE AN ADJUSTABLE-LIKE WRENCH ON THE 1 1/8" HEX.

The removal of the fuel filter cover normally requires higher effort than its installation. This may be due to the o-ring used to seal the fuel filter cover to the fuel filter housing. The sealing o-ring is designed to swell in the presence of fuel, so that a better seal may be obtained between the cover and housing.

NOTE: THE O-RING USED TO SEAL THE FUEL FILTER COVER TO ITS HOUSING CAN ONLY BE USED ONE TIME.

A new o-ring is packaged with each replacement fuel filter or with a replacement cover.

The fuel filter cover has been revised to prevent the use of the square opening for servicing purposes.

CAUTION: THE MAXIMUM INSTALLATION TORQUE FOR BOTH STYLE FUEL FILTER HOUSING COVERS IS 34 NM (25 FT. LBS.).

POLICY: Information Only

I so appreciate your time and

Submitted by marian_franks@y... on Tue, 12/20/2011 - 08:34.

I so appreciate your time and thought into this. Do you think the housing could be cracked even though its dripping out of the drainage valve itself? That's the reason I replaced the valve in the first place - because after 2 different mechanics looked at it, they said the valve itself needs to be replaced. - Now it still drips after being replaced.

So you're saying it may look as if it's dripping from the drainage valve but certainly could not be if it's been recently replaced. It has to be running down to that point from somewhere else. - Right?

I so appreciate your time and

Submitted by marian_franks@y... on Tue, 12/20/2011 - 08:36.

Marian, That’s why I asked

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Tue, 12/20/2011 - 09:28.

Marian,

That’s why I asked you about your leak detection methods. Lookin for any kind of fluid leak with just the naked eye broadens the potential for makin a mistake . Anytime you gotta find any fluid leak in a motor vehicle use a leak detection kit and tracer dye. That way you get it right the first time and pinpoint the leak. I know about the TSB, but I didn’t bother to mention it, because based on your description that wasn't t I know what the problem is. What you ghe problem. What you gotta do now is remove the valve. Now go to a plumbing supply store and buy a product called “Leak Lock”. The product itself is blue and it comes in a blue plastic bottle. Coat the threads of the valve with the leak lock and reinstall the valve. Since your in there and doin the job anyway you may as well apply the TSB.