fuel leak/ no morning start

[regalpainter]

my 97 had what i thought was an oil leak, i was told it was a fuel leak because of the smell. then i started having trouble starting in the morning. one shot of ether and it would start. i was told this is bad and can ruin my glow plugs. after it warms up and is shut off it starts up fine but recently it too is starting to start harder even after its warm. have i ruined my glow plugs? is this fuel leak related? i changed the solenoid with a similar one because my parts store did not have a diesel one in stock(would that matter?) any help appreciated.

[Ditty]

Have you checked your Oil Levels in the oilpan and the Hpop resivour? That could be your problem. Also, yo said the leak is fuel...could be that your fuel bowl is leaking...so when you park, and then you have to restart, there is no, or low fuel in the bowl. Just shooting out some otions for you.
You could have screwed up the glow plugs using ethere to start.

[regalpainter]

what is the hpop resivior?

[Ditty]

High Pressure Oil Pump Res. The Hpop takes the low pressure oil, ramps up the pressure to run the injectors. It's under the motor cover, just behind the fuel bowl...I think.

[regalpainter]

how would i check its level ? sorry im new to diesel and never really good mechanically

[Ditty]

There is a how-to....but I can't find it....still looking.

[regalpainter]

thanks for looking

[regalpainter]

im going over to the problem forum thanks ditty

[WILLIAM LORCH]

The hole to check hte HPOP is located on TOP of the resvor at hte very front of the engine,mine looks like a plug and uses a 1/4 in extension insered in it, The oil should be about 1/4 inch from the top..... Look 4 fule leak on hte filter housing where the yellow handle for the drain is located these O rings go bad. Good luck in fixen it.. The procuder is located here in the repair section <<<<<BILL>>>>>>>>

[regalpainter]

thanks bill