Fuel Leak on 97 1500
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From: Everywhere
Fuel Leak on 97 1500
Hi all,
I have got a very concerning issue with my truck. I have read through the forums but havent found exactly what I am looking for, so I thought I would ask the experts.
The Truck:
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with a 5.9, and automatic tranny.
The problem:
I have discovered a fuel leak where the fuel line connects to the injector rail. Its a bad leak, i.e. fuel poors out of it..
The connection type on my truck uses the quick connect system (I believe that is what it is called). The fuel line has three O-Rings on it and connects to the rail with a clip that holds it in place. (Inserted from the top).
I have pulled it out and inspected the O-rings. They look fine no tears or deformation of anykind. I have managed to get it reinstalled twice now with no leaks when the fuel system get pressurized. Yet pretty much a slight bump or like this morning when all I did was start the truck, it starts pooring fuel again.
I don't think it sealing correctly and am curious as to what everyone here thinks. What I am looking for exactly is how to ensure a proper firm seal when connecting the fuel line to the injector rail. Also is there a better i.e. more secure way to connect the fuel line to the rail without using this system.
I am currently working in the middle of nowhere in Canada. My truck gets beat up and down miles of rough gravel roads every day. So I am worried about this line coming loose while driving down the road when I hit a bump or something.
Also parts stores are hours (and I mean hours) away. Otherwise the O-rings would have been already replaced.
Does anyone know if I can replace them with a different kind of O-ring. I have Cat O-rings, and a bunch of other O-ring kits, but I am unsure of the one in the middle its a very hard O-ring almost like the type we put in the final drives of excavators and dozers.
I want thank everyone in advance for taking the time to read this post and I sinceraly appreciate any help and advice.
I have got a very concerning issue with my truck. I have read through the forums but havent found exactly what I am looking for, so I thought I would ask the experts.
The Truck:
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with a 5.9, and automatic tranny.
The problem:
I have discovered a fuel leak where the fuel line connects to the injector rail. Its a bad leak, i.e. fuel poors out of it..
The connection type on my truck uses the quick connect system (I believe that is what it is called). The fuel line has three O-Rings on it and connects to the rail with a clip that holds it in place. (Inserted from the top).
I have pulled it out and inspected the O-rings. They look fine no tears or deformation of anykind. I have managed to get it reinstalled twice now with no leaks when the fuel system get pressurized. Yet pretty much a slight bump or like this morning when all I did was start the truck, it starts pooring fuel again.
I don't think it sealing correctly and am curious as to what everyone here thinks. What I am looking for exactly is how to ensure a proper firm seal when connecting the fuel line to the injector rail. Also is there a better i.e. more secure way to connect the fuel line to the rail without using this system.
I am currently working in the middle of nowhere in Canada. My truck gets beat up and down miles of rough gravel roads every day. So I am worried about this line coming loose while driving down the road when I hit a bump or something.
Also parts stores are hours (and I mean hours) away. Otherwise the O-rings would have been already replaced.
Does anyone know if I can replace them with a different kind of O-ring. I have Cat O-rings, and a bunch of other O-ring kits, but I am unsure of the one in the middle its a very hard O-ring almost like the type we put in the final drives of excavators and dozers.
I want thank everyone in advance for taking the time to read this post and I sinceraly appreciate any help and advice.
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From: Everywhere
Thanks for your reply and the diagram.
Yes it has the plastic rail. I have been messing around with it and the latch seems to seat correctly. Even with everything completely sealed in there, and having no leaks when I put pressure to the system, the slightest bump of that line and it starts leaking again. I figured out how to get it sealed, but keeping it from coming loose again is becoming a bit of a problem. Now correct me if I am wrong but there seems to be only that latch clip holding this entire line in place.
On a side note what would be one of the better aftermarket setups to just replace this whole entire mess. Because honestly I am not sure if I wanna trust my life or the lives of my family to fuel line that's held in place by a clip that was probably made for less than 50 cents.
I guess I just need someway to ensure this thing is not gonna start leaking again when the trucks going down the road...
Yes it has the plastic rail. I have been messing around with it and the latch seems to seat correctly. Even with everything completely sealed in there, and having no leaks when I put pressure to the system, the slightest bump of that line and it starts leaking again. I figured out how to get it sealed, but keeping it from coming loose again is becoming a bit of a problem. Now correct me if I am wrong but there seems to be only that latch clip holding this entire line in place.
On a side note what would be one of the better aftermarket setups to just replace this whole entire mess. Because honestly I am not sure if I wanna trust my life or the lives of my family to fuel line that's held in place by a clip that was probably made for less than 50 cents.
I guess I just need someway to ensure this thing is not gonna start leaking again when the trucks going down the road...
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From: NH
There is pretty much much no aftermarket for that. If you think the clips are installed correctly, then maybe something is wrong with the end of line itself. Dealer item in any event. Are you sure that you're pushing the line in all the way before inserting the clip? It's been a while since I did a plastic fuel rail and I'm trying my hardest to remember. The clip is yellow IIRC.
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I just talked to the dodge dealer back home, and he seemed to think the same thing. Something is wrong with the line. Flange maybe worn out or something. He recommended relpacing the line, only trouble is I think it goes all the way back to the tank?
My other thought is maybe on the plastic end something is getting wore down enough that is keeping the line from creating a nice tight seal.
Again I can get it to seal and not leak, but the second the line gets bumped I get a fuel leak. Very frustrating...
I know there is another design dodge put on that engine. I dont think its plastic, but I can't remember exactly. Would it be possible to change the rail system and fuel line to that other version, or does it have some issues as well.
Thanks again for the help,
Rex
My other thought is maybe on the plastic end something is getting wore down enough that is keeping the line from creating a nice tight seal.
Again I can get it to seal and not leak, but the second the line gets bumped I get a fuel leak. Very frustrating...
I know there is another design dodge put on that engine. I dont think its plastic, but I can't remember exactly. Would it be possible to change the rail system and fuel line to that other version, or does it have some issues as well.
Thanks again for the help,
Rex