I have an 87 300TD with 175k mi ---after sitting for 2 weeks it would not crank and I had to loosen the injector lines to prime it before it would start. When it started I notice the pump has a leak below the injectors on what appears to be an inspection plate with several screws. My question is; can that leak be stopped by replacing a gasket or is this a pump rebuild?
thanks

It shouldn't mean a rebuild.

Joel,

When U say your engine will not crank, I interpret that to mean the starter will not turn the engine.

Did U mean the engine would not fire? That seemed to be the jist of your post.

P E H

PE
Sorry for the mis-speak-------------the engine turned over but would not fire til I opened several injector lines to bleed them.
As I stated I have found the source of the leak specifically what I want to know is if the plate below the injector lines can be serviced (gasket replaced) or is a pump rebuild needed to stop the leak from the plate

The gasket on the side of the pump can be easily replaced - no pump rebuild is needed.

There are two different gaskets, make sure you know your engine # before you order the gasket.

Joel,

What color is the oil that leaks from the IP? If it is clear its fuel oil. If its black its the lubricating oil in the pump that comes from the engine.

Rebuilds are not always $600 plus labor, at least not at the IP shop I go to. If there just something simple wrong or only a small part of the IP broken or worn, my shop will just replace that part and charge accordingly.

Bleeding the injection lines is rarely necessary, even new ones that are completely empty. The air in the injection is just pushed thru the injectors ahead of the fuel.

It sounds like U have a leak down someplace else like the fuel lines going to the IP. While U bled the injection lines, the IP was filled by cranking the engine. The engine would have started had U not bled the injection lines if U cranked it long enough.

P E H

PE--
Color of fluid leaking from IP is clear/green tint smells like diesel fuel.

Tim
What is this gasket called? IP gasket?

thanks to all for your help
joel

The cover plate on the side of the IP holds back engine oil, not fuel. I expect upon closer inspection you'll find that fuel is leaking from the delivery valves just above that cover plate.

Lots of info in the archives on servicing the delivery valves, but make sure that's the problem. In some cases the injectos will make strange sounds when the delivery valves need work.

Sixto

Could also be a leak fron one of the injector lines that runs under the intake manifold log. If the retainers fail the lines can chafe and wear a hole.

Sixto