Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need Help - Won't start after fuel filter change

[BakerJ]

Hi All,



I'm near the middle of no where (but I did find this computer ), on a trip, in Yukon Territory, driving a 1998 1/2 24 valve, stock, 2500, standard transmission, 195,000 miles - that I bought new. On a 250 mile trip 2 days ago the engine sometimes lost much of its power below 1500 RPM, but ran normally above that speed. I'd noticed 2-3 times over the previous week or when starting from a stop, what felt like a very short/quick rear wheel slip on small patch of ice (nothing present to cause that) that I thought was somehow engine related. No other symptoms. I've been mixing small quantities of used engine oil in my fuel for maybe 10-15,000 miles. Fuel filter hadn't been changed in 25,000 miles - so I figured perhaps the filter was loaded and collapsing under pressure so I changed the filter. The old filter was dark, no sediment in the bowl, and otherwise everything appeared perfectly normal. I've been unable to get the engine to start. I filled the fuel tank and I've pulled the fuel filter outlet plug and topped off the fuel with a syringe, and cracked the injector connectors to bleed the system. (early on I also cracked the fuel filter outlet, turned on the key and got fuel flow - everything sounds normal) I have access to 110 power and a battery charger hooked to keep the batteries up - and have spent quite a ferw hours over 2 days running the starter for 8 seconds or so every 5 minutes without effect and no sign of fuel at the injectors. Also, I tried running the engine by spraying WD-40 (first 1 can, then 2 simultaneously) into the turbo while someone cranked the engine - without result - I'm assuming the intercooler collects much of this spray preventing combustable mixtures from reaching the cylinders.



I think there is nothing wrong but air in the system but I am unable to purge/bleed the system. I'd appreciate any helpful suggestions.



Jim

 

[Joe Mc]

Jim - Try cranking it in 30 second intervals while holding the go pedal to the floor. Just check the starter wire every other cranking session to make sure it's not getting too hot. Don't give up as it may take 5, 6, 7 or more tries to get it to fire.

I'd suggest not spraying anything into the turbo that will ultimately end up staying in the intercooler and acting as a dirt magnet until the dirt decides to let go into the engine.

I've heard of a few folks spraying starting fluid or ethier on a rag and holding the rag infront of the filter box inlet nozzel. I'd try the 30 second go pedal to the floor method first - it's what the service manual suggests. When it does fire up it'll run real rough and might even stall once on you but once all cylinders are getting proper fuel it'll be back to it's old self.

Keep us posted and good luck.

 

[Dan s]

jim tryy pulling the hose off at the air intake manifold spray wd 40 or brakekleen there. brakekleen works good and is not as explosive as ether. if it fires and wont stay running unless you are spraying brakekleen into it and you are sure you have fuel in the filter housing. i would think possibly your inj. pump n/g. i hope this helps. try this first if you have a cartrige filter try loosening top of housing so fuel can leak out have someone bump key to start pos for a sec this will make lift pump run if and when fuel pours out tighten housing then bump key agian you should here lift pump running. this should bleed air out. if does not work try my other suggestion. wish you the best. dan