Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Truck wont start

[CNolen]

The truck did not get started for about two weeks, and when it was started it ran for about sixty seconds and began to run rough and died. I could pump the primer 5-6 times and it would start for just a few seconds and die. I did notice just before I parked it the fuel milage had dropped badly. I pushed it in the shop and changed the clutch, lift pump, return and supply lines and strainer. I have now cracked the bleed screw and pumped the primer 200 times and still have no fuel. I am stuck, I have tried all I know to do. I does not really seem like there is any fuel for the pump to suck, but i know the tank has fuel in it.



Thanks in advance Charlie

 

[EKlem]

Have you checked all of your fuel line connections? Also, it is probably worth visually checking your sending unit on the top of the tank to make sure it isn't too rusted. Also, is the fuel heater still there? The reason that I ask these questions is that any air leak before the lift pump will prevent you from priming the system. There is actually enough fuel in the IP and filter that your truck will run for up to a minute without any fuel lines hooked up(I have experienced this myself). I suspect that you started it on this fuel and never got the system primed due to an air leak somewhere.

To get the truck started, I would recommend trying to pressurize your fuel tank if you have compressed air at the shop. You can wrap a rag around the air line and jam it in your diesel fill and regulate the air to 10-15psi. If you have a helper who can man the bleeder screw and you can crank, it should start. Just make sure not to burn up your starter. If you do have an air leak, unless it is huge this will probably start the truck but will not fix the air leak so it will continue to be hard to start.

Good luck.

 

[Joe G.]

It is probably an air leak somewhere. Most likely the fuel heater. Email me at -- email address removed -- for my 12 valve fuel system write up, how it works and how to fix it.

 

[CNolen]

Thanks for the suggestions, I am going to work on it for a while this AM. I will keep you posted. If there is anything else let me know.

 

[CNolen]

I finally got fuel up to the canitster, but could not fuel to the IP. I looked a little harder, and when I put the hose on the lift pump from the strainer I never put the clamp on it. As soon as I put the clamp on it had plenty of fuel to start. Thanks for the help