Matt Saunoras Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 Hey guys I know I haven't been around in a few months but I really haven't been up to anything too exciting besides a bunch of OT plowing snow all winter. Anyways we have this late 80s Ford L8000 bucket truck here that's had a small fuel leak in the valley for a month or so now. Yesterday was the end though and it finally died while pulling a hill. I got it running with a new fuel filter and bleeding the air from a few of the injector lines but I believe it's sucking air through the leaking throttle shaft seal. The seal is leaking pretty bad now and I imagine it's losing prime because it won't start cold too well either. I checked the shutoff solenoid and it seems to be working okay. I have read a little online about pulling apart and resealing the back half of the pump. This seems pretty easy given this truck doesn't have a turbo or any extra stuff on top of the engine, just an intake manifold that needs removed. I don't know if it's worthwhile to even attempt it or just get a whole new pump. The truck ran great once it got a new filter making me think the pump is probably okay besides the leaking seal. Any input? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted March 8, 2018 Share Posted March 8, 2018 How bad is the leak? A lot of the time any leak that allows fuel out when running can allow air in when not running but if it starts and runs better with a new filter then it's possibly okay but fuel leaks are never good. A pump that old would probably be best being swapped out with a rebuilt pump or have that one serviced if there is a good fuel shop around. When I see an older truck with a pump issue I just get them serviced. They come back fully redone and calibrated but I have only dealt with Ford New Holland engines and older Cummins engines. Never had to deal with a CAT pump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Saunoras Posted March 10, 2018 Author Share Posted March 10, 2018 We are pulling the pump and having it rebuilt. The leak is pretty substantial, more than a few drips and it's leaking while it sitting and losing prime. I would feel okay resealing it myself but I suppose it's just safer to have the whole thing gone over. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted March 10, 2018 Share Posted March 10, 2018 Well yeah, if it has decent miles on it it makes sense while it's out - replace everything in the rebuild kit and calibrate it. The customer will be happier in the end. I usually get my pumps back with the old parts in a bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Saunoras Posted March 15, 2018 Author Share Posted March 15, 2018 I talked to the guy rebuilding it and he made note that the housing the shaft rides in usually wears out and they will install a bushing to prevent further wear. I felt better knowing that it'll be fixed right. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted March 18, 2018 Share Posted March 18, 2018 That is why you use a fuel shop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.