This morning when I got to work a friend let me know that I was leaking something. I had been seeing spot or two but was not sure where it was coming from for the past few days. When I opened the hood today, it was apparent that I was leaking fuel from somewhere near the water separator. A drop of fuel every 2 to 3 seconds. I couldn't tell if it was a fitting or the point where the separator top is attached. It was not coming from the water drain on the bottom but somewhere on top of the canister.

I did a search but found nothing. I have a few questions I hope you can help with.

1) Has this ever happened to anyone else? If so where was the leak?

2) Do you think I'm best off replacing the separator? If so, how difficult is it?

3) Am I hurting anything besides my wallet by driving it until I get it fixed?

Thanks for any help you can give. BTW, truck has 108k miles. I'll update my sig.

 

Are you sure it's fuel for sure??? Power steering fluid is about the same color but different smell.

As for replacement... I would look over the housing closely first. It could be a loosen banjo or bad sealing washer. (maybe) Might replace the filter... Then you will replace the top O-Ring.

I've only heard of a few stories about the heater in there given up and starting to leak. Rare though...

 

Thanks for answering but I am pretty sure its fuel. I could see fuel dripping down the side of the water seperator canister. I'll check the banjo fittings this evening and investigate it further. If they are tight, I guess the next step is filter replacement.

Any onter suggestions?

 

I had my VP44 & LP changed out under warranty. When the tech put the new fuel filter in he never took the old O ring off the lid, he just stuck another one around the rim. So, I ended up with two O rings, which caused fuel to leak out around the lid and drip right down on to the front diff.

Just a thought, changed your fuel filter lately?

 

Fuel filter last changes 9,000 miles ago but thanks for the input.

 

i got afaulty fuel filter once form errrr canadian tire and the thing had a lil crack in it and it looked like it was coming from the water separator....then i put on a solid filter of a kubota stationary engine and the thing fits fine and never a problem...plus those filters cost 7$ each...i change them out 4 times/year still cheaper than ONE filter for the separator

 

ps...a worn out overflow valve can lead to cracked fuel filters..so might wanna check that out....also just quickly check for lines that may be cracked or wet or whatever...