Archived 1998 12v Fuel System - Again?

[BlameCandida]

After having problems with my fuel system in November-December 2012, I had the lift pump replaced. I drove the truck fine for a few months after that, and it has been sitting in storage since April 2013. I try to start it and let it run about once a month, most recently at the beginning of the summer. When I tried to start it this weekend, the engine spins but won't, similar to the problem I had originally [ https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/240187-1998-12v-won-t-turn-over-air-in-fuel ]. I made sure that the truck had fuel, the batteries were charged, and the starter was good. I went through the good advice that was given to me last time and re-read Joe G's fuel system write-up.

The fuel filter has fuel. When I manually prime with the lift pump, I press about 20-30 times. Once I get to the 15th or so press, the button feels like it is sticking when I release it. I cracked the 10mm bleed bolt on the fuel filter, and diesel comes out when I prime manually and when I run the starter. I closed this up and cracked the front three injectors. When I crank the starter, plenty of diesel came out from the third injector, so I closed it. The first and second injectors have liquid visible at the junction, but it did not spray out when I cranked the starter.

I closed the injectors back up and called it a day. What's next?

 

[The patriot]

I dunno? Check the solenoid?

 

[BlameCandida]

I dunno? Check the solenoid?

No issue there. Relay went out a few years ago, and I replaced it with a manual PTO cable. I am planning on repairing it this go-around though.

 

[The patriot]

Use this as a go to:

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-engine/58777-joe-gs-fuel-system-writeup.html

 

[BlameCandida]

Yep, I've read Joe G's write-up a few times. I think 'm good at least from the tank to the fuel filter, since I can get fuel to come out the bleed bolt on the fuel filter when I prime with the lift pump or crank the starter. I can only get fuel to really come out heavily from the 3rd injector when it is cracked. I'll try cracking 1 and 2 to see if I can get fuel to spray out. When you crack the injectors to bleed the system, how far back do you take the nut? Just a quarter/half turn, or back it all the way off?

 

[Missouri Mule]

Just 1/4 to 1/2 turn. I would check other cylinders has well one at a time.

 

[fox]

I prime mine by loosening to over flow valve.

If it loosing prime, check the return line at the back of the head. It can crack and let air in, but not not fuel out.

 

[BlameCandida]

I gave the truck another shot this afternoon. I made sure fuel was getting to the IP, by cracking the banjo bolt from the fuel filter. Yep. Then I started cracking injectors. I got them to three of the cylinders pretty easily, but after some cranking, I got fuel to come out all six. Just to make sure, I'm doing this on the passenger side, right? Not where the lines come out of the IP?

The engine is turning (I see the fan going), but not firing. Also, in all the times I've ever primed the system (many, many), I'm not sure I've ever heard the overflow valve "squeak". Maybe I just don't know what to listen for. But I can rule out pre-filter, lift pump, filter, and IP problems, since I'm getting fuel to the injectors when I crank the starter, right?

Also, since its been sitting all summer, there were a bunch of mud dauber nests and ants everywhere under the hood. I did my best to get rid of them. I also checked the air filter housing, cause I know critters like to nest in there, but it's clean. Exhaust pipe isn't clogged either.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Yes at the injectors. Should fire up if all injectors are getting fuel.
General rule diesels need air and fuel.
Did you check air filter box to make sure it did not have rodent nest in it.
You can pressurize the tank with compressed air that will usually pin point an air leak.

Overflow is not stuck open your getting fuel. Its not stuck closed your getting fuel. Hard to check out overflow valve without being able to doe fuel pressure test.

 

[BlameCandida]

Going at it again this morning. Opened the supply banjo bolt on the IP. Fuel came out in a small steady stream, so I closed it back up. Cracked the injectors and manually primed. Engine spins, and fuel comes out at the injectors. Checked the air filter box again. No debris. Took off the tube between the intercooler and manifold, and covered the manifold opening with my shirt, in case there was an obstruction somewhere else in the air supply. Still no luck

When I crank the starter, the engine doesn't even sound like it's trying to fire. The starter and batteries are good, but I'll probably throw the batteries on the charger today after so many attempts to start it.

 

[Cosmo]

Is fuel squirting equally from all injector lines now? Or still only dribbling from some?

Is the fuel good? When you park it, do you put stabilizer in it and top the tank off?

 

[BlameCandida]

That's what I'm starting to think. When I parked it last year, I had it topped off with a bottle of additive, but I start it and let it run every month. I also don't know if any leaked out.

I'm going to try connecting a fuel line to the lift pump and putting it in a diesel can to get fresh fuel to the engine.

I'll have to look at the injectors again, but it seems like fuel flows to some much more easily than others. I got fuel coming out all of them, but #3 much more than the rest.

 

[BlameCandida]

I got a can of fresh diesel and connected a 1/2-in ID fuel hose to the lift pump, and put fresh fuel into the fuel filter canister. I cracked the supply banjo bolt to the IP, and am able to get the new diesel spraying out when I prime with the lift pump. However, with the solenoid on "run", I can't get fuel to come out of the injectors when I crack them (after closing the banjo bolt). I am thinking maybe the fuel filter is restricting the flow (I should have changed it when I had it off), but is there something else that could be going on?

 

[BDaugherty]

Are you getting any smoke from the exhaust during cranking? If so, what color?
How fast is the engine spinning over?

 

[GI Joe]

Sounds to me like bad fuel....??
If your Air intake is clear, and You've got fuel to the injectors( unless they aren't squirting), it should fire...

Try a little starter fluid to get it fired off... maybe that will encourage better fuel flow and get some of the bad fuel out of the lines...
May even swap the fuel filter and drain/refill the tank with fresh... then try all over again!

 

[BlameCandida]

I lost prime since last weekend, so I put a piece of tubing between the lift pump and a can of fresh diesel.

I cracked the supply banjo bolt on the IP and pumped the primer until fuel was pouring out of the cracked bolt. I tightened the banjo bolt, and manually opened the rack to the injectors (no solenoid). As much as I hit the primer (or try using the starter), I can't get fuel to come out the injectors again.

The fuel also slowly goes down the tube back to the fuel can (air leak somewhere?)

 

[BlameCandida]

UPDATE: I changed the fuel filter, and filled with fresh diesel, checked the air filter for the hundredth time, and put the batteries on a charger for a full charge. After a lot of cranking, I got fuel coming out of all six injectors, but still not firing.

About how much fuel is in the IP? I'm wondering if I might still be injecting bad fuel and the good fuel hasn't made it to the injector lines yet.

I also picked up a can of starting fluid and will give that a try in the morning.

 

[surfbeetle]

...I also picked up a can of starting fluid and will give that a try in the morning.

Just a caution, starting fluid in the intake with the heat grid can be dangerous.

 

[MLee]

What he said-----------Pull the leads that go to the relays to disarm the grid. They are located below the driver side battery.

 

[BlameCandida]

Okay, I'll do that. I also saw a few posts here on TDR recommending using WD-40 instead of starting fluid, since it's less volatile.