I Got A Problem, Help

[JThacker]

I had an appt. for my truck for tomorrow. Last nite I plugged my truck in at 1200 and got up this am at 6 to go to work, truck started easy but died in about 5 minutes, I can restart it and it will idle for a few minutes but dies. WHen I try to give it fuel to make it idle faster it dies, I think I may be able to rev it up once it gets started but I am afraid I might damaged a piston if I have got a bad injector, additionally it may leave me stranded on the way to the dealership tomorrow. Please help, should I try to drive it or could running it potentially cause a problem. Thanks jay



Look at the original thread, do I have a problem, to learn about what's going on.

 

[cojhl2]

If it were me I would give it Pour some "Power Service" in the tank and let it idle for a spell. since you said you had it plugged in I suspect its cold and if you havent taken care of the fuel situation for cold weather,, that could cause the symtoms you describe.

 

[JThacker]

If it's fuel gelling and not related to my initial problem how can I tell it's fuel gelling and what do you do for it?

 

[cojhl2]

I dont understand what your "initial problem" is i guess. But,, if it was cold enough that you figured you had to plug the block heater in, and you have #2 fuel with no additive,, its gelled for sure. Power Service never hurts anyway.



If the engine has been running allright up to now I would not be afraid to let it idle with a diesel additive until you get some circulation thru the system.

 

[cojhl2]

One additionalthing,, I would never "rev" up the engine. All that white smoke is just vaporized fuel and the knock is just the diesel "spark hammer". It will settle down as the combustion chambers warm up.

 

[bgilbert]

Sounds like your fuel has gelled up. I would remove the fuel filter and fill it with some of that emergency meltdown fuel additive, Howes and power service have their version. This would be better than just fuel additive. Then dump the rest of it in the fuel tank. Follow instructions on the bottle, go from there. BTW, what was the temp that night it sat? Don't trust the fuel station on treating the fuel, if you intend on driving when expected temps will be 20*f or less, add some fuel additive to your tanks.

 

[JThacker]

I am going to go try to find the stuff, where's the fuel filter located at?

 

[DJennings]

Go here for diagram of 24V CTD. Yours is in the same place (#17) The black top cap unscrews to pull the filter out.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77102

 

[rbattelle]

I agree with others - that your fuel gelled up on you. If it were me, I'd remove the fuel filter, pour some PS Diesel 911 in the canister, put in a new filter, then pour the remaining 911 in the tank. Start it up and let it idle for several minutes, then see what happens.



-Ryan

 

[JThacker]

I think I am SOL. I pulled the fuel filter and poured Power Service in and took a hairdryer to the fuel lines, still only idles about 20 sec. each time and dies, I now have two space heaters under the truck, anymore ideas?

 

[Cattletrkr]

This is normally the first thing that everyone says, although it's never worked for me when I have problems, but CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER. A slightly dirty filter will gel up faster than a new one. When you open the canister to add the PS or whatever, put a new filter in. Don't even think about leaving the old one in, even if it looks new. $15 and then you know you've got a good filter.



OK, just scrolled down and see you've got things warmed up. You still might have a bad filter. Does your lift pump run? Bump the starter and listen for it. It should run for about 20sec or so.



Anyone know if a blown fuse could be doing this. I know there's a "fuel system relay" 'cause I pull it after changing oil, but the truck won't start, that's why I do it.



Other than that, I'm outta ideas. Good luck.



One more thing. Turn your key on and off 3 times, leaving it on the last time. Watch your odometer for codes. Have a pen and paper ready and give us the codes if there are any.

 

[rbattelle]

Give it some time. From reading posts about others whose fuel has gelled it can be a royal PITA to get the thing running again. Is it parked in the sun? Keep the heat on it and give the PS some time to work.



On edit: and do everything Cattletrkr says too...

 

[JThacker]

No codes, still warming up, this is a SOB

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

Power Service

I am going to go try to find the stuff, where's the fuel filter located at?

Wal-Mart carries it.

 

[JThacker]

Finally worked!!!! it took all day but it broke lose and runs. Thanks boys. Jay

 

[rbattelle]

Told ya... just takes a long time to get it all defrosted. Glad things are back to normal.



-Ryan

 

[LightmanE300]

Jthacker - did you use PS Diesel fuel supplement or the 911 stuff?

 

[JThacker]

I used PS diesel fuel supplement in the gray bottle, not the 911 stuff, today I went to a diesel shop and found that PS 911 used just for gelling once it has already occurred, I won't need it though, I learned my lesson, from now on I treat every tank, religiously in the winter especially. Correct me if I am wrong but the non-911 stuff should be all I need to prevent this in the future. Don't know how much to account for the supplement versus the two ceramic heaters under the truck all day, fuel filter was awful dirty and I replaced it. Thanks again boys, Jay

 

[cojhl2]

Now,, after that education be sure to:

1) Buy only blended fuel in the winter or pure #1

2) Always add "Power Service" when filling your tank.



Ive followed these rules for years and run in mighty cold temps with no probs.



Also I guess other additives are ok but PS can be found at any truckstop, Tractor supply or other farm stores.



Glad you got it running,, it sure takes the ole pressure off dont it

 

[rbattelle]

Now,, after that education be sure to:

1) Buy only blended fuel in the winter or pure #1

Never never never never run your truck on straight #1 diesel. Always blend it, or run a seriously powerful lubricity enhancer. In fact, I would say even if you do blend it you've still got to run a lubricity enhancer. I think that's what cojhl2 meant, I just wanted to emphasize it.



-Ryan