Ford 861 diesel fuel leaking into the crankcase

[jtmcdon]

I have fuel getting into the crankcase on my 1958 Ford 861 diesel and I plan to start with inspecting the Feed Back Line as the possible problem. At this point I have nothing that will confirm if that's where the fuel is coming from until I remove the valve cover. I've read there are at least 3 or 4 possible places the fuel could be coming from. When I changed the oil last week there was approximately one and half gallons of fuel in the oil pan. I average using the tractor 20-30 hours per year and the oil was last changed in the summer of 2017. I have no idea if the fuel is leaking into the oil pan when it's running or when it's park or both.

Starting with the Feed Back Line, will unbolting the fuel tank allow me to raise the tank up enough and have enough room to remove the valve cover to see the feed back line? If so, can I start the engine and look for fuel leaks? If starting the engine with the valve cover removed is a problem, would it make sense to remove the fuel line connected to the standpipe brass fitting and fill the line with fuel to see if there are any leaks in the feed back line? Can I remove the fuel line connected to the standpipe without wasting too much fuel? My tractor is an early model and has only one fuel line attached to the standpipe fitting. For all I know, the standpipe could by broken off and it's somewhere in the tank.

Other than a new valve cover gasket are there any other parts I should have on hand before I remove the valve cover?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Tom

 

[thepumpguysc]

Do u shut off the fuel when u put it away.?? if yes, its probably coming from the inj. pump front seals.??
They are notorious for THAT problem..
Have they EVER been changed.?? Its a DIY project but u gotta have the seals of course.
IT IS possible that its coming from a loose line under the VC.. BUT, if u shut off your fuel when u put it to bed, gravity wont take control & u could better diagnose it.. {fuel from running or sitting}
& yes, remove the vc & start the engine.. if the leak is there u should see it.

 

[jtmcdon]

For some reason it never occurred to me to shut the fuel off but I certainly understand how that could help me troubleshoot the problem.

Regarding the seals are these the seals referred to as umbrella seals? If so, I have read several times these could be a possible cause of the leak but I haven't found any information that shows how to remove the pump and replace them. I do have a shop manual FO-20 and I'll search youtube and try google as well.

If I turn the fuel off and the leak is coming from the seals would the fuel in the injector lines become empty and allow air to get in the system. I learned the hard way on a Ford 2600 I had when I ran out of diesel fuel 2 times and what I had to go through to get the air of the lines...it was pain in the rear.

You have given me some good information and I appreciate it.

Thanks. Tom