Truck won’t start-best way to bleed air out?

[dblake]

Hi. So I think I screwed up by trusting my fuel guage and letting my tank go to 1/8 full. I parked it on a slope and when I returned it started and then quickly died. I tried bleeding it after pushing the truck to a level spot. While cranking a bit more I got the check engine light and the following codes: P-PCU, P1693, P0500, P0122. I grabbed some jugs and filled my tank up to 1/2 and continued to try to bleed the air out. I have a tank sump and FASS as well as a fuel pressure gauge. I got hopeful when it seemed like got more pressure at the injection pump inlet. I was able to get fuel out of the #4 and #5 injectors only. Tried 1,2, and 3 unsuccessfully. Now my batteries are almost dead from cranking. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas or suggestions. I’ve only bled my truck one other time and it was easy then. Thanks!

 

[petersonj]

Take care of the low battery condition first.

Then, if you haven't' done so, bump the starter and leave the key in the run position. The lift pump should run for about 25 seconds. This will help purge any air through the small orifice in the overflow valve. Do this at least 4 times. Then go back to bleeding injectors - it is only necessary to bleed two or three injectors.

Don't worry about the codes for now. The codes could have been set due to low battery voltage.

- John

 

[dblake]

Take care of the low battery condition first.

Then, if you haven't' done so, bump the starter and leave the key in the run position. The lift pump should run for about 25 seconds. This will help purge any air through the small orifice in the overflow valve. Do this at least 4 times. Then go back to bleeding injectors - it is only necessary to bleed two or three injectors.

Don't worry about the codes for now. The codes could have been set due to low battery voltage.

- John

Do you leave the injectors lines loosened while you crank for 20 seconds then close them? I’ve been loosening one at a time. Is this correct? #4 and #5 are the only ones I’m getting fuel out of. I also cracked the inlet to the injection pump and I’m getting strong pressure there. Thanks.

 

[Ozymandias]

I had to do it several times with the 98.5 of my buddy.
It was always enough to just loosen ONE injector line right at the injection pump, as this is the easiest to access place.
It started everytime right up, run a little rough for a couple more seconds and cleared up nicely.

No need to do a workaround with all six lines.

I just cracked that line a half turn and tightened it up with the engine running.
No big deal, just a little mess from the spray.

Yes you crank the engine with that line slightly open, it should fire within 10 seconds.
After you have done what @petersonj said.

 

[petersonj]

Do you leave the injectors lines loosened while you crank for 20 seconds then close them?

I think you may have misunderstood my instruction. You don't crank the engine for 20 seconds. If you just "bump" the starter for about 1/2 of a second and then let go of the key, the lift pump will run for approximately 25 seconds. This will help purge air from the VP44 injection pump, so there will be less air to bleed from cracking the injector lines. You do this first, before cracking any injector lines.

- John