Fuel leak

[bock15ch]

I have a 99 F250 with the 7.3l that has a fuel leak in the valley. Not so much that it's dripping on the ground, but you can smell the diesel. I took it to the dealer who told me it was a crack in the fuel heater housing. I am guessing that the fuel heater housing is the same as the fuel filter housing since the heater is right below the fuel filter.

Anyways, it this is true, how hard is it to replace? Apparently a new filter housing can be purchased from the dealership for $583. Does anyone know a better/cheaper place to purchase this part? Has anyone else had this problem before? Any info would be a help.

[Jon]

however there is a stack of bad ones under a bench in my shop. That is pretty close to the right price. Not hard to replace. It's pretty simple. But the far more common problem with them is the drain valve orings going south and it leaks around the valve itself.

[bock15ch]

How would you know whether it was the oring on the drain valve or a cracked filter housing? Would an oring leak only occur when the vehicle was operating?

[Jon]

The best thing for you to do would spray the entire housing down with brake clean and CAREFULLY lay up there with the engine running and have a flashlight and a mirror and see where it is coming from.

[jeshoyt]

Also, if it is the fuel filter housing, please don't buy it from the Ford dealer for $583. Save yourself some hard earned money and buy it at powerstrokeshop.com or International for half the price or less.

[shane0917]

this guy is having a problem with power can one of you techs help him out.

guttless

[bock15ch]

I took it in to another mechanic who confirmed that it was a cracked housing. Thanks for all the information.