Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel Filter Fun -or Monday Moanin'

[Barnstormer]

Changed my fuel filter yesterday. Each time I do it, I run the injection pump out of fuel and have to bump and grind the starter to get the beast to fire again. Yesterday was the worst. I removed the old filter, drained and cleaned the bowl, installed the new filter and bumped the starter TEN times (as opposed to the recommended five times). Truck started and promptly stalled, injection pump out of fuel. Bumped another ten times. Nothing. Long story short... It took roughly FIFTY bumps to get the coal to the boiler. Although I hate to do it, next time I'm going to prefill the filter bowl with clean (?) fuel from a gallon can. Am I losing my lift pump? (2001 ETH/DEE, 55,000 miles)

 

[B.G. Smith]

Changed my fuel filter yesterday. Each time I do it, I run the injection pump out of fuel and have to bump and grind the starter to get the beast to fire again. Yesterday was the worst. I removed the old filter, drained and cleaned the bowl, installed the new filter and bumped the starter TEN times (as opposed to the recommended five times). Truck started and promptly stalled, injection pump out of fuel. Bumped another ten times. Nothing. Long story short... It took roughly FIFTY bumps to get the coal to the boiler. Although I hate to do it, next time I'm going to prefill the filter bowl with clean (?) fuel from a gallon can. Am I losing my lift pump? (2001 ETH/DEE, 55,000 miles)

When you install the filter dry and don't bleed somewhere after the filter, all the air in the dry filter and housing has to be forced through the system before you can GO. bg

 

[mediccummin]

You also could have a bad LP as stated, get a pressure gauge and check it.

 

[24V-DSL]

I fill the canister with "dirty" (unfiltered) fuel, install the filter, close it all up and bump the starter one time. Listen for the LP to run for ~25 seconds, and fire it up. In 100K and ~15 filter changes this has worked every time. IMO, prefilling the canister is the key. I have been warned about unfiltered fuel, but since it only takes about 6oz. to fill it, I have decided to take my chances. Other than messing with straining the fuel through panty hose, etc. , I don't know of a practical way to do it. I do buy a couple of bucks worth of fresh fuel prior to the change.

 

[rholcom2]

Fuel Pressure!!!!! Check It!!!

CHECK THE LIFT PUMP!!!!! ASAP!!!!! Mine had this same characteristic, this was before I had learned how crutial fuel pressure was, come to find out my VP was pulling a vaccum. I installed a new lift pump, and when I change the fuel filter, it primes right away.



Thanks to other TDR members, I learned this before my VP died.



I think that fuel pressure is #1 in prolonging the life of these VP pumps.



When I had a diesel shop install my lift pump, they called and told me that, my pump was pulling a vaccum, and that it had already "set the timing code", and that I should "go ahead and replace the injection pump, it will be right around $3000". I said, "how long do you think the old one will work", the reply "NOT LONG, it has already set the code". To make a long story short, I had them clear the code, and paid them for the pump, and I have been driving it for 2-1/2 years since that statement was made. Who knows, may die tomorrow, but I have kept the 3 grand in my pocket for going on 3 years now.



Just a suggestion.

 

[Barnstormer]

Thanks for the advice guys. Will definitely check the LP. This is the ONLY problem I've had with this truck. It's never been back to the dealer for anything. If the LP is as bad as it gets, I'll drive a Dodge Cummins forever.