Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cannot prime fuel system after filter change

[ASHughes]

I've isolated the problem to something between the tank and pre heater. I was able to get the truck running this afternoon by using MWilson's advice and running a piece of 3/8" line from the steel line that goes to the heater into a 2 gallon can. I don't have time to drop the tank this evening so that will be tomorrows adventure. At this point I'm starting to like the idea of strapping a 5 gallon can to the hood.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check the pre-filter screen on the bottom of the fuel heater just forward of the lift pump.

 

[ASHughes]

Got the truck up and running last night. Looks to me like the fuel lines were probably the main issue. Since I had the parts, I went ahead and replaced the lift pump, deleted the pre-heater and changed the screen and gasket, replaced all of the steel lines with B-20 rated duel fuel rubber hoses, and installed a Vulcan Draw Straw 1. The whole fuel system primed in 2 minutes and the truck is running great, probably better than it has in 4 or 5 years. Thanks for all of the advice and ideas.

 

[guldam]

I recently changed the fuel filter on my 97, and I had the worst time getting that thing primed. Mind you I've changed filters on this truck a dozen times and never had this issue. Finally got it primed. But I am thinking I have rotted hoses behind the engine or that 90 degree hose, or perhaps where the steel pipe connects to the pump. At this point I'm in no hurry to go through that ordeal again.

I tried sticking a wooden dowel in from the top to activate the fuel pump priming button, but there's no way to get to it with all the brake plumbing in the way.

Wondering where it is easiest replacing the two rubber hoses behind the engine? From underneath?

GulDam

 

[ASHughes]

I recently changed the fuel filter on my 97, and I had the worst time getting that thing primed. Mind you I've changed filters on this truck a dozen times and never had this issue. Finally got it primed. But I am thinking I have rotted hoses behind the engine or that 90 degree hose, or perhaps where the steel pipe connects to the pump. At this point I'm in no hurry to go through that ordeal again.



I tried sticking a wooden dowel in from the top to activate the fuel pump priming button, but there's no way to get to it with all the brake plumbing in the way.



Wondering where it is easiest replacing the two rubber hoses behind the engine? From underneath?



GulDam

I used a combination of under the truck and under the hood... . neither way seems to work any better unfortunately. For me, the worst part was only having room to get 1 hand in there to work and have to do most of it while using a mirror to see what was going on.

 

[GAmes]

Wondering where it is easiest replacing the two rubber hoses behind the engine? From underneath?

Yes from underneath, but wait until your next filter change. One of the hoses connects behind the filter.

 

[MLee]

Back when this was being done with the hose replacement more, Joe Donnelly suggested to get a barbed hose fitting on the Banjo bolt on the overflow valve and run the hose on top of the air intake area and eliminate the tube thats hard to get to underneath the intake.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I did the hoses from the top both times I replaced them. Try using a hammer for the primer button, handle on the button.

 

[MLee]

The current TDR has a good article BY JIM ANDERSON on this problem and has a lot of Ideas to search, if you have not fixed it yet.