Answer
Aug 07, 2025 - 11:53 AM
Yep, it sure can. If the Bosch VE pump on your 350 JD crawler is worn internally, especially the shaft seals. It can definitely leak diesel into the crankcase. That’s actually a pretty common issue on older machines. If your oil level keeps mysteriously rising or smells like straight diesel, that’s usually the culprit.
As for testing the pump, here’s a basic rundown:
- Visual inspection — Check for fuel leaks around the pump body, especially near the throttle shaft and front seal area.
- Crack the injector lines — With the engine cranking, you should see a solid, pulsed squirt of fuel at each injector line. Weak or no fuel might mean internal wear or a broken drive shaft.
- Fuel return line flow — Disconnect the return and check for steady flow when cranking — no flow might mean the internal pressure regulator or check valve is stuck.
- Timing — Make sure the pump is timed correctly to the engine; if it’s off, it’ll cause rough running or no-start.
To properly bench test it, you'd need a test stand, but most folks just swap or rebuild it if there's clear evidence of leaking or weak pressure — either procedures are included in this manual, including step-by-step instructions, clear images, and exploded-view illustrations.
Note that if you’re seeing fuel in the crankcase, it’s best to stop running it and either replace the pump or reseal it. Continued running like that can dilute the oil and wipe out bearings real quick ✌🏻
