MD7A fuel pipe leaking

[Neil Gordon]

I have a diesel leak, apparently a pinhole in the fule pipe that leads from the top of the fuel filter. It only leaks under pressure and although it's not clear exactly where the leak is, examination of the pipe shows considerable wear/corrosion in one small section.

The part doesn't seem to be available anywhere in traditional parts channels. I have a used parts dealer checking but I have limited optimism.

Any brilliant ideas?

[Jack.Ducas]

Neil,
I may have a spare fuel pipe home in the garage for this motor. Send PM if interested.

[Neil Gordon]

Neil,
I may have a spare fuel pipe home in the garage for this motor. Send PM if interested.

PM sent. Thanks for what might be a major miracle.

[Klem]

Neil, if I remember the pipe that you are referring to correctly, it has banjo bolts on the ends. It is possible to purchase the appropriate fittings and banjo bolts to convert this type of line to a soft line which will let you make most runs that you want to make. I have not done it on an MD7A but I have done it on other engines.

If you can't get the actual part and are interested in going this route, I will try to take a look this weekend when I am on the boat.

[Neil Gordon]

Neil, if I remember the pipe that you are referring to correctly, it has banjo bolts on the ends. It is possible to purchase the appropriate fittings and banjo bolts to convert this type of line to a soft line which will let you make most runs that you want to make.

Yes, banjo bolts at both ends. (Different sizes, just to make it more fun.)

[Stan W.]

Have you tried these guys yet?

http://www.frenchcreekmarina.com/

Their pricing is high, but their inventory of used MD7A parts is impressive.

[Neil Gordon]

Have you tried these guys yet?

http://www.frenchcreekmarina.com/

Their pricing is high, but their inventory of used MD7A parts is impressive.

Thanks, Stan. I'll let you know.

[Neil Gordon]

I have a diesel leak, apparently a pinhole in the fule pipe that leads from the top of the fuel filter.

I removed the fuel pipe and sanded the suspect area. At least I confirmed it's got a hole in it, so now I'm at least confident I've found the source of the leak.

Stay tuned.

[Klem]

Neil,

If it is banjo bolts on both ends, you can go to a soft line. You do need to be careful about a few things like keeping it from touching hot engine parts and using line that is rated for the right pressure.

Another option might be to braze the old line depending on what condition it is in. I have done this to a rigid line on the cummins 6bt on my pickup truck but the line was in good condition other than a crack. If there is one rusty area but the rest is fine, you could make a patch to braze on. The key to all of this would be properly cleaning the line.

[pedbed]

they might be able to make a replacement for you.

Any hydraulic house for that matter can. I am sure there are others closer to Beantown

[Joe Myerson]

Neil,

You might try Torresen Marine.

They are a good source for diesel parts. Here's the link to their MD7A parts list:

http://shop.torresen.com/marine_diesel_ ... ngine=MD7A

--Joe

[Oswego John]

Neil,

What is the fuel pipe made of? Copper, steel, aluminum, other material? It is probably not flexible hose if you call it pipe. You say that you sanded it.

If a pin hole shows now, other areas probably have wear on them, too. A new pipe is the safest way to go, (if you can locate one.)

Hydraulic hose and fittings can withstand very high pressure.

In the meantime, if you are having a problem finding a replacement, a temporary fuel line repair is possible. A proper repair will keep you going for the remainder of the season. If the line is copper or a similar alloy, the worn area can be tinned. Silver solder can be used on many metals, too. I wish I had a nickel for every fuel line that was temporarily patched with tape and 3M Scotchcoat compound.

New pipe is best. A patch is a viable, temporary alternative to keep you going until you find a replacement.

Good hunting,
O J

PS: Don't mention Frenchman's Creek Marina in front of Mike Ritenour. (La Vida) I don't want to be held responsible for the consequences. Oh my. A very sad experience. - O J

[Angela and Tom]

We used it to patch a leak where the exhaust pipe joins the muffler. It got us through to the end of the season til we could remove the muffler and have it properly welded.

[bill2]

If I was in the middle of the ocean I might try to get by temporarily by improvising thusly -

if you're lucky you might just slip a piece of rubber " fuel line" over the fuel " pipe " then clamp directly over the the pin hole with screw type hose clamp(s) . Iffen you're lucky the rubber hose - under pressure from the screw clamp - will seal the fuel " pipe " temporarily while you secure a suitable permanent replacement . Of course too little pressure from the hose clamp and you'll still have the leak - on the other hand too much pressure can collapse the fuel pipe and it may be tough finding a suitable really small diameter screw type hose clamp ( a stainless clamp from an auto supply comes to mind ) . . .

Success may depend as much on luck as skill here . . .

Good Luck

[Neil Gordon]

Neil,

You might try Torresen Marine.

I did that. They were out of stock but claimed to have found one through their network and working with Volvo Penta. I give their customer service a good grade. Sadly what they shipped was a fuel pipe but not for the MD7A.

(Stay tuned, as the last email from them suggested they think they shipped the right part number and they want to charge me a 15% restocking fee.)