Maybe this will help someone someday.

When I bought my truck the owner said there was a possible fuel line leak and after reading the info here I figured it was true. Anyway, there was fuel around the outside of the pre-filter and when I changed the fuel filter and cleaned the pre the leak did not return.

My conclusion was that a fuel filter badly in need of changing was pushing fuel past the pre-filter gasket by raising the pressure. I decided my return fuel line was good.(first mistake)

Fast forward a few months- truck isn't starting great and the leak is back- same place. So I change the fuel filter and check the pre-filter gasket. Tally ho, on my way and pretty smug about it too. (second mistake)

Two days later the leak is back but this time with a vengence.

The only wet place was at the edges of and below the pre-filter, not anywhere on the fuel line above it. I looked at the area above and around the pre-filter but found no wet areas.(third mistake)


Anyway, the leak was from a crack in the return fuel line just in the right spot that it ran a drip down itself, to the clamp at the top end, which would then put the drips right onto the top edge of the pre-filter housing making THAT look like it was leaking .

You could only see the leak when the truck was running.


So I am lucky my first (fake) solution did not leave me stranded on some back road. Changing the fuel filter probably lowered pressure just enough to let the crack re-seal, for a little while.

Its hard to see the return line but when you look for a leak have the truck running and a good light, if you can.

And if its a nice warm day just change the return line anyway if its due- you'll be glad you did and thats where a leak will show up someday and you DO NOT want to do this little bugger in the cold or the wet because its a *****... especially if your hands are big.

Jimmy

 

Mine never leaked. A previous owner put a hose barb in the line and replaced all but a foot of the line. One day on the way to work I smelled the fuel. I parked her and had a big puddle under nieth where it was squirting out like crazy. needless to say it was the 1 foot that was leaking. Truck never missed a beat I have the new fuel line and am just waiting for a chance to replace it along with rebuilding the starter and replacing the battery cables sitting in the garage. Guess that I am riding on borrowed time.

 

I suspect mine to be leaking also. I smelled fuel through the vents today while driving, went home and parked it. I came out about 30 min later and noticed the pavement was rainbow looking underneath (driveway was wet) and smelled like fuel. Anybody know about how much new line costs?

 

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

While you are there go ahead and order the starter contacts also. Parts came real quick. Just need the time to install them now.