Truck Repair: Cummins 5.9 ISB Fuel line leak, fuel injection system, loose fittings


Question
I had a fuel airlock on a 2000 Cummins 24 valve 5.9 ISB after draining the water in fuel seperator while the engine was running. I followed the instructions on this site and loosened the banjo fitting on the fuel filter and was able to start the motor. With the motor running,fuel was leaking out of the #4 cylinder between the fitting and the high pressure fuel line.I cannot get a 19mm wrench on the fitting to either tighten or loosen it.Could the airlock have caused this problem? It continues to leak when I start the engine. Assuming I don't catch the motor on fire, can I drive the vechicle 10 miles to a repair facility without damage to the # 4 cylinder or the motor?


Answer
Air lock occurs as a result of opening, loose fittings and joints or cracks in the high pressure side of the fuel injection system. Ordinarily, the system is supposed to be air tight up to the return line of fuel back to tank.
Air lock then cannot on its own cause leakage of fuel. An engine that has taken in air will not run smoothly or function optimally.
To drive 10 miles to the next garage will not be a problem to sort out leakages on one cylinder so long as you are sure that the risk of fire to your vehicle is zero for the period.

Regards,