Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Changed Fuel Filter - Problem Bleeding Air Out

[PRout]

Just wondering how much cranking is normal to purge air from the injector lines?



Have verified fuel sprays out of front banjo at the VP44. Have opened injector lines 1, 3 & 4. Have Cranked - Cranked and Cranked. Only getting a slight dribble of fuel out of 4 & 1. Almost nothing from #3.



Its hard for me to believe that the VP went bad just from alot of air getting in the lines. It was running great before changing the filter and no signs of problems. Gauge shows 22 psi at the VP.



FYI - Think I was a little overconfident having the FASS and didnt put much fuel in the filter before replacing it. Till now.



So - How long do you crank before you give in to the idea the VP may have bitten the dust?? (its a hell of a way for it to go if it did :{ )



The sensors seem to be working because I see about 200 rpm while cranking, and oil pressure. I say this, because I accidently sprayed alot of fuel around checking for flow at the VP. Hope I didnt spray fuel in the fpcm or something like that.



Have been trying to restart this thing for 2 nights, and half of Saturday already. . - The odds are getting worse fast. . Wahh Wahh Wahhhhh!



Not giving up yet though, maybe just looking for a little moral support while 'ol Puffster is sick.



Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.



(note: this would be a good time to have a "Smarty" to check codes with)

 

[klaybus]

Don't crank it for more than 10 sec. at a time. Does the FASS cycle like a LP? I just changed mine yesterday & cycled the LP 10-12 times & then started cranking her over about 5-7 seconds at a time. Cycled it a couple more times & then she fired..... Good Luck!



Clay

 

[PRout]

Does the FASS cycle like a LP?

Yes, the Fass is running normal.



Lots of fuel at the VP. Have re-bled its supply line several times. Cant seem to get the VP to prime its injector lines - yet. (kind of a bummer in ya know what I mean. . )



Thanks for the input. Will keep trying and let you know what happens.

 

[CDeklotz]

Shortshift, i just put a fass system on my truck last week and when went to start it i had the same problem. What i did was i bumped the starter and then while that was going i gave it a few seconds then cranked and pumped the throttle, then she popped right off. Hopefully this helps.

 

[DavidC]

Have you tried holding half throttle while trying to start?. This has always worked for me.



Dave

 

[PRout]

Yes, tried all throttle settings. .



Just rented a Code Reader: 1688 - Injector Pump Failure. (game over). Just got the estimate from the dealer (1850 + 500 labor).



Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Bob Wagner]

pump should cost no more than 1100. 00and there should be better shop rates in so cal. talk to tdr member bob4x4



this should help

 

[Makensmoke]

Shortshift thats bad luck if i've ever seen it. Maybe I should cut down on my maintenance program in fear of that ever happening to me. Good luck...

 

[WyattEarp]

sorry about the code reading, as i began reading i was shocked that you and several others alike have had trouble after doing a fuel filter change. I know i don't have a fass but when installing the new filter, i simply bump the engine with the key(do not crank or start it) you will hear the fuel pump run for what seems an eternity probably 15-20seconds im guessing, i then crank never even had as much as a burp or a shake from having air. I know this don't help your situation any but it might someone reading that hasn't done a fuel filter change yet.

Also you should be able to get another pump cheaper than that, try a cummins dealer or try ebay also, its worth a shot. I was thinking that Cummins was like $800 maybe, from reading another thread awhile back. Good luck and sorry about the pump.

 

[OL RATLR]

Yes, tried all throttle settings. .



Just rented a Code Reader: 1688 - Injector Pump Failure. (game over). Just got the estimate from the dealer (1850 + 500 labor).



Thanks for the input guys.

"Another one bit the dust"

You can beat the H3LL out of that price. :-{}

 

[Walt-L]

I to have had trouble starting after a filter and LP change, So I put in a pair of fuel line tees with valves giving me a isolated clear line loop from the fuel pressure gauge line to the return line off the VP44. I have wired a marine ON/ON toggle switch sticking out of the fuse box that repowers the lp with a direct battery feed. Now when I do a filter change is just a matter of opening the clear line valves, flip a switch to turn the LP on and watch ALL the air go directly into the return line while I jack the drain lever up and down which produces additional air and foam raceing into the return line. When Im satisfyed there is absolutely no more air left to threten the IP, I shut off the switch, close 2 valves, fire up the truck like nothing has been done! I once floated the question here to the guys that constantly change their fuel filters, they "may" be the ones that see a higher percentage of IP failures. At the time, no one cared to respond to my suggestion. Iv always felt pushin foam through your IP can't be good for it even if its a few stumbles after startup. The pumps die either from electrical or lubericity issues. air IS a lubericity gremlin and if your truck stumbles around a bit after a filter change, your IP pistons were just foamed. I feel a bypass loop is a bit of insurance that has a very small cost to install.

 

[rweis]

I have AN-6 male at the VP but do basically the same thing as Walt_L.



I cap off the Vp44 AN-6, then connect the female that normally screws onto the Vp44 to a rubber line (with an AN-6 male hose clamped into it) that I keep in my tool box that runs from the Vp female all the way back to the tank (15' I think). Bump the lp and watch the fuel flow at the tank filler, any bubbles, bump the lp again etc until no bubbles.



Take off long tank hose from AN-6 female, screw onto VP44 male, and has always cranked right up. Obviously try to lose (drip) as little as possible when doing the connector swap.



I also run Stanadyne in every tank for lubricity (and a bunch of other stuff to try to keep the Vp44 running).



Bob Weis