I was warming up my truck today when it started to sputter and die. I started it back up, but it took a couple pumps of the pedal to get it to go, followed by a big puff of white smoke. I figured it was my fuel filter leaking again (just changed a leaking one about 2 months ago) but it was clean, couldn't smell any diesel.

As I was poking around, I noticed an area of leakage on my injection pump kind of between the fuel shutoff solenoid and the big nut thing where the governor springs are. I wiped some off, but it didn't smell like much. Some things directly below had wet spots making me think that it is leaking enough to actually drip.

I am thinking it is oil from the pump, but I don't know if this is serious or not. Has anyone heard of this? Do I have to buy a new pump?

Right now my search for the fuel/air leak is on hold until I address this. I took pictures of it and I will post them if this is not familiar to anyone. Thanks in advance for your expertise.

 

I tried to attach the picture. It is a little crooked, but it shows where the fluid is coming from. Does this look familiar to anyone. Serious problem or no big deal?

 

thats engine oil from the seal on the inside of the pump, where the fuel shutdown solenoid rod goes through the casing. Pretty common area to leak, pump teardown required to fix.
That wont cause your stalling issue.

 

Is it something that needs to be addressed right now to prevent pump damage? Pump teardown sounds expensive.

 

These guys seem to have some good prices on pumps - they might be able to help you out: http://www.pensacoladiesel.com/index...ategory_id=193

Ive done a bit of reading on this and have read that ULSD may be related to this (Chevron did a big article on this but I cant find it at the moment):

http://www.worldsweeper.com/FleetMan...ulfur2006.html

Note: "- Possible fuel system seal leaks. Equipment 1995 and older may have Nitrile rubber or Buna N seals that will dry and crack. Check with your manufacturer."

 

So what are the possible ramifications if I drive it as is? Grad Student=Poor

 

There is a plastic piece (arrow) that wiggles and spins when I poke it with a screwdriver. Is this normal, or could replacing this help?

 

I dont think that would help...I wouldnt worry so much about the leak - I would worry more about what could get in.

 

Its by no means critical to pump life, and cant be caused by ULSD. Its on the engine oil side of the pump, not the fuel side of the pump. The spinny plastic thing is normal and replacing it wont help. The only downside of driving it leaking is you will get a nice undercoating on the bottom of your truck

 

Ahhh! Thanks guys, I guess I'll start worrying about it when the old girl enters her first show n shine.