Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Air in Fuel after start

[skillsaw]

Hello all,



Thanks for incredible posts on the fuel filter heater o-ring saga of the 2nd gen trucks. I have 1 question please - If I spent the time to bleed the system enough to get her running (and it took a very long time), can I be sure the system will handle any remaining air in the fuel lines or do I have to keep cracking the fittings?



Thanks again for an awesome spread of information aLL!!



Erik



99-3500, 5 spd, years of stuff added on, 200k miles

 

[JLandry]

Erik,

Once you get it running, it'll be fine. The fuel system will eventually purge itself of residual air as the fuel is circulated through the VP44 and back to the tank.

Best regards,

John L.

 

[skillsaw]

Thanks for reply.

ouch though - I had the typical leak from the fuel heater, which I thought was making it tough to start. Thought I had it licked; purged air, got it started and still have long (hard) starts - sometimes drains battery it takes so long (it does go after a bit with just cranking). Truck has great power feels right under throttle & towing - I feel the system loses prime when it is off for a few hours or more. I'll start to poke around in that direction here now for some chats. I hate to leave my rig stranded for a simple fix I overlooked!!

I'll follow up when I have news. Thanks in advance for any ideas

Erik

 

[Nyoest]

Have you tried applying some throttle while cranking? There are directions on how to do it on the sunvisor. If it starts right off by doing that you don't have an air leak.

 

[rkressg]

Check the fuel return banjo bolt on the back of the head, it could be loose.
You could also have an injector where the fuel crossover tube is not fully seated, allowing the system to back bleed when shut down.

 

[Nyoest]

Disregaurd my post. I had 12 valves on the mind. That wouldn't apply to a 24 valve.