I just noticed that I have what looks to be a fuel leak at one or bith of the banjo bolts at the top of the fuel filter housing.
Just wondering if it's a common problem and what was the fix.
Probably work on it tomorrow.

 

This is not a normal problem. The best thing to do is to identify which banjo is leaking and then pick up a new set of coppers for that bolt and replace them. Cummins, Dodge, or NAPA will have the needed washers.

If by chance the banjo or banjos are leaking at the line to banjo joint, you will need to check the filter mount and make sure it has not shaken loose and allowed the filter to vibrate and crack the fuel lines. If that happens, you will need both lines from Dodge or Cummins, and will need to tighten and LocTite the filter mounting bolts.

 

thanks.

 

I've seen leaks develop at the banjos when guys get cheap and try stretching the spring in the overflow valve to get more pressure rather than buy a new one. One fellow whose truck I worked on tried the stretch trick, when I put the gauge to it it was putting out 80 psi at idle, about four times the spec. High pressure like this can also split the filter open.

 

Stretch what spring over what valve?
I don't think that's been done with mine.

 

Bill was referring to the pressure regulating spring in the overflow valve. The valve is on the engine head side of your Injector pump and the return fuel line is connected to it. The overflow valve regulates return fuel flow to keep injector pump supplied with fuel. The overflow valve will open when pressure exceeds spring tension value. Over time and use the spring will weaken and compress. This results in lower overall fuel system pressure and loss of power due to insufficient fuel/pressure within Injector pump.

The stock spring is around 1/2 inch in height. Owners have found the spring less than this when in weaken state. Some have stretched the spring back to 1/2 or slightly over 1/2 inch to regain stock pressure instead of replacing with new part. Bill was pointing out possible problems that can result from over doing this procedure and having pressure too high.

Ron, no way of knowing if the spring has been stretched if you bought the truck used. However, a fuel pressure check will help settle any pressure question.

 

Well I did buy the truck used but I bought it from my dad who never would have done any work to this truck himself. I'm pretty sure that the fuel system hadn't been touched by any mechanics either but it's possible.
I probably should do a fuel pressure check though since I have about 140K on this beast. Is this a DIY thing or do and I need to see a mechanic?

 

In order to check fp on a 12 valve you have to either buy an adaptor from TST that replaces the bleed screw on top of your fuel filter housing and converts it to 1/8"NPT or drill and tap a 1/8" port into the top of the injection pump inlet banjo bolt. (best)

 

One of my banjo leaked on top of my filter housing on my 96. I replaced the washers, i got them from Cummins they hace a rubber like seal on them.I tried to fix it before with copper washers but it leaked again. The cummins washers fixed the problem.You may also get those washers at a good fuel shop.