I changed the fuel filter over the weekend and checked for leaks.... all was good. Today, I notice a raw diesel smell and at first was thinking it was drips from the filter change. I happened to glance at the front diff when I left the steel shop and noticed it was shiney... yup, covered in diesel. Checked all over for leaks and saw nothing. Started the truck and there was a steady drip, drip, drip coming from the drain hose. I fiddled with the drain valve and can't get it to seal. I was on my way to the farm & home supply store, so when I got there, I bought a small c-clamp and used it to pinch off the hose for now.

The truck has 48500 on the ticker.... this should be a warrantable item, shouldn't it? It was after 5 by the time I got home so I couldn't call the dealer to find out. Just wondering what you guys thought.....

 

If you were under 3yr/ 36 K it would be. I'm not sure if the cummins warranty would cover it. Probably not. I've had some stick open and I usually find if you flick it open/closed a few times while the lift pump runs it will seal up.

 

can't be much more than an o-ring or two i would think. or something cheap anyway.

 

This one stuck open the last time I used it (when I installed my gauges) and I dump a bunch o fuel on the floor..... I had to push the plunger down to close it but it sealed..... this time I pushed it down when I was done with it, but it won't seal up this time.

 

That's why I'm afraid to open mine!

 

I just picked this truck up back in Jan. with 45k on it.... I'd be willing to bet that until I opened to drain the cannister to hook up my FP gauge line, it had probably never been opened before.

 

Finally had a chance to take a look at the drain valve yesterday. I tried to take the plunger out of the valve without removing the valve from the cannister, but it hits on the fuel heater connector block. I removed the valven and pulled the plunger out.... it has two o-rings on it and both were in good condition. Cleaned out the bore of the valve, lubed the o-rings up and re-assembled the valve. It seemed to work fine, so I reinstalled it, bumped the key to refill the cannister and fired it up. No leaks or drips. Only thing I can figure is it had piece of crud or something in there that would not allow the plunger to fully seat. BTW, I checked with dealer and a new valve is $27.95. One dealer said is not a warrantable part and another dealer said it was. The "rule of thumb" the dealer that would cover it used is: "if it can't run without it, then it's warrantable."

 

Your dang right you can't run without it. You'd be spilling diesel everywhere. I just put a piece of electrical tape over it held on by a zip tie. Been fine.

 

I had the same problem last month. Whent to go to work in the morning, thought it would be a good idea to drain a little water if any. So without truck running i opend valve for just a second, then flicked it closed.

On my way to work at a stop light I could smell fuel, but figured it was just that little bit that dribbled out and all over the diff.......

By the way, My fuel gauge had been stuck on full, untill i changed my abs sensor, see post: ABS sensor and fuel gauge.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...threadid=40280

So any way the Lp pumped out 3/4 of a tank of fuel over the 30km drive to work. I realized this when I was at work, fixed it by opening and closing it while the LP was running. But without knowing how much fuel i had lost, I did not make it to closest pump. She ran dry going up a steep grade, adding 5 gal would not make her go. Called auto club around 6:30pm got home three tow trucks later around 12:30 am.

Opened up some high pressure lines, cranked her over a bit and off and running.

I replaced the filter unit on my 99 with the one for a 2001 because mine started to leak fuel around the wires that whent in the top for the heater. Dealer only item was $500 bucks for 99. I got the 2001 model for around $250 complete with heater element and a new filter. As a bonus I can now change the filter from the top...

But it seams that the drain valves may be something to watch out for...

BTW I am looking for the electrical plug wich fits the 2001 fuel heater outlet on the filter unit. If anyone knows of a P# or where I could order one that would be great...