Fuel hose leak

[applebottom]

We've got a 1999 Bobcat 763 and it looks like one of the short braided diesel return hoses is leaking at the fuel injector connection. Theres no clamp , just the hose pushed onto the fitting. If I replace it with a new one, do i need to bleed the fuel lines afterwad? Can I just use the hand-priming bulb to do that? Also, is there a serious fire risk working with this leak? I can't get a replacement hose right away, so any tips would help

 

[Hilmayas_]

Yeah, you can prime it with the hand bulb, it should be enough if it's just the return line. As for fire risk? Yep, diesel's not super volatile, but a leak near hot parts is still sketchy. A temporary fix will be to trim the hose end or use fuel-rated line till you get a proper one

 

[2minsman]

Those return lines are low pressure, so you're right...no clamps usually, swap the hose quickly and you likely won't need to fully bleed the system coz the hand primer should be enough to push out any air.
Diesel isn't that super volatile by the way

 

[Arielz]

Running that Bobcat with a leaking injector hose is borderline reckless, diesel or not, fuel sprays plus heat equals fire hazard. Sure, the hand primer helps, but don't skip proper bleeding and never ignore safety; this isn't minor maintenance

 

[22Radisson]

We've got a 1999 Bobcat 763 and it looks like one of the short braided diesel return hoses is leaking at the fuel injector connection. Theres no clamp , just the hose pushed onto the fitting. If I replace it with a new one, do i need to bleed the fuel lines afterwad? Can I just use the hand-priming bulb to do that? Also, is there a serious fire risk working with this leak? I can't get a replacement hose right away, so any tips would help

You'd definitely want to bleed the fuel lines after you get the new hose on, and the hand primer bulb on the fuel filter housing is exactly what you'll use.
Just pump it until it gets firm and you should be good to go.
It may take a few extra pumps to get it to fire up, but that's normal.
It's true what the other guys said that diesel isn't as volatile as gas, but a hot engine and a fuel leak is an accident waiting to happen!
I'd avoid running it until you get that hose replaced.
If you absolutely have to move it, keep it to a minimum and have a fire extinguisher handy.
You might be able to get a temporary fix by cutting a tiny bit off the end of the old hose to get to a fresh, softer section, but I'd only do that in a pinch to get it out of a bad spot.
It's really best to park it and wait for the new part!