Fuel leak at Filter cap --> Clutch Slipping

[herrmc]

2001 Ford F-250 7.3L Diesel 4 x 4
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A few days ago my son informed me that the truck was running rough and smoking... it was almost out of diesel, so I had him put 5 gallon in (I though it might be running out). Didn't help...

So, when I looked under the hood, fuel was leaking badly from the lip around the fuel filter cap. When I removed the cap it turned "hard" as though it were cross threaded.... after I removed the cap I inspected the threads... and the seal... all seamed ok... replaced the cap and it spun on easily as it should have... no leaks... the truck is back to running great.

The cap in itself is a mystery to me... because it has been on for a while and hasn't given any trouble (no leaks)... and I put it on when it was installed... and I am pretty well certain that I didn't cross thread it.... but oh well... this is not the crux of my problem.

Now, the problem is that my clutch is slipping like a big dog... Diesel fuel seems to have run out the back of the engine valley and made it's way to my clutch... I have given it a few days hoping it would "dry out"... but them seems to be only wishful thinking..... I guess I am going to have to spring for a new clutch.

The truck has 153,000 miles on it now..... I had the clutch and pressure plate replaced at about 60,000 miles (was a bad pilot bearing... they just replaced clutch and Pressure plate while they were in there)......

My question to the forum is (besides any obvious advice you can give).... is there a particular brand of clutch / plate I should go back with ??? (OEM, etc)..... And what price should I expect....

Also, I live in Central Oklahoma... about smack dab between OKC and Tulsa ... I would be interested to know of any mechanics around that specialize in these trucks.

I used to be fairly adept at doing my own mechanic work... still got it in the noggin... but my back and neck don't allow me to do too major tasks nowadays.

Thanks in advance!

[Isakson]

dang! how long was it like that? i had mine leak on me and i was drivin and smelled a bunch of diesel and when i got home i had a slippery engine.... i don't think it affected my clutch tho knock on wood.

[azkcr]

This is the 2nd time I've read of this happening in the last 4 months..
There are indeed clutches out there for you. But I don't know of any off the top of mah head..

[Isakson]

i have no experience with these but the obvious are southbend, the one that starts with a V. Some ppl go with the O reilly clutches cuz they got the 2 yr warranty, so every 2 yrs they get a free clutch to put in their truck, but then again, every 2 yrs u either gotta put it in, or have a mech do it.... so idk.

[azkcr]

Valair.. I met the owner.. Crazy old man.

[Isakson]

crazy????????

[herrmc]

It was just like that for a while in the evening so far as I know (son was jump starting the tractor).... but could have been leaking on a more mild scale for a while???

First Ford dealer quoted my $1,400 without even checking anything.... Second Ford dealer quoted $1,100 ..... a reputable local shop quoted me $350 for the labor... and whatever the cluch cost is..... He says his normal suppier is NAPA... but will source parts wherever I specify..... But time is of the essence... I am going to take it in probably in an hour or so (so I would need to know if I need to make a special request for a certain brand of clutch.)

[azkcr]

Not literally.. Well I dunno, maybe.. lol
He's a BAMF, he had a 1st gen 4x2 stick dually and beat a 2nd gen 4x4 auto in a tug-o-war at an event.. lol..
The kid in the 2nd gen got butt hurt (it seamed) and challenged him again and the 2nd time dumped oil EVERYWHERE

[Pthompson]

I have had good luck with LUK cluches... I think NAPA carries them and they have a decent warranty.

Part Number: NCF 1107155
Product Line: NAPA Clutch and Flywheel
IMPORTANT INFO: Flywheel Included;LuK Design Upgrade

[Sullie250]

i would recommend south bend. a couple different styles to choose from.