The fuel pump on my DD 6-71 is weeping a bit of oil, is there a chance the fuel could migrate into the crankcase? I'm monitoring the oil level but it doesn't appear to be going up. I will deal with the weeping when time and opportunity is there, but if fuel is migrating it will become a major priority.
There is an engine oil seal, then a separate fuel seal. When either leaks, the same weep hole is used to drain and warn you.
Thanks Ralph. We're cruising for a bit and I really didn't want to break that down right now. I'll monitor and wipe until we're done.
If it's oil, the oil seal is leaking, NOT the fuel seal. Keep an eye on it, and fix it when you get a chance.
Seals and parts are available for repair. I recall a rebuild kit on some of those old gear pumps. No warranties. However, pending how old the pump is; You may consider replacing the whole pump (with warranties) with new. On your 6-71, getting to your fuel pump may be an easy job. On the V blocks it's a pain. I have always replaced with new for my customers and never had a worry of going back to it. There may be a couple of different fuel pumps available for your engine. Serial number and/or build sheet is important here when ordering from a real DDC jobber. Not NAPA or AutoZoned.
I'd replace the pump too, as the bearings going might be the reason the seal went, or the seal is old and will start leaking fuel next, and it's hard to get the microscopic scratches out of the shaft so the new seals last as long. Half the time when I have something rebuilt even by a professional shop it bites me in the rear with an early demise.
Next, as long as you are there, Inspect any fuel hoses that look weathered, when in doubt, can them. On both engines. May as well order two fuel pumps also. I luv spending other peoples money (OPM).. One more idea, most of the later pumps had a threaded weep hole. 1/8" threaded pipe I think. Install some plastic hose nipples and clear tubing on them. Run the tubing to the bilge pan (if equipped) but leave the last few inches of clear tubing pointing up. If they ever leak again, it will drip in your pan, not on your engine and that last few inches of clear tubing offers a better view of what's going on. 15 years later my tubes are still clear.
