searched forums but couldn't find exactly what i needed. So my question is this, I blipped the starter and tried to prime the system but got nowhere. I can hear the lift pump run and suck air, it sounds almost like it is leaking air. I have checked all connections and no leaks, is this how it is supposed to sound? i have tried everything to prime the system but still no fuel. Any help appreciated.

 

Welcome, fill out your signature so we know what ya got

heres how : https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=224825

 

Assuming vehicle is 2nd gen unit, try this to prime. Locate the lift pump at left extreme rear of engine, below intake. Find the two wire connector to left pump and make a connection to the white wire with about four feet of electrical wire. Reconnect to lift pump and jump new wire to battery. Lift pump will run. You can loosen fitting downstream to IP and see if fuel is flowing. Within two minutes all fuel and air in system will be replaced and wire can be disconnected. And IP will have good source of fuel. Now you may have to purge injector lines. I generally loosen three lines and crank engine with fullly charged batteries. As soon as fuel starts flowing from loose fitting start tightening lines. Engine should start running (roughly) as you tighten balance of lines. Should clear in 30 seconds or less.
This is how it works if everything is in proper working order.

 

Uh ohhh.. This sounds like the ol' "I don't have a fuel pressure guage and I found out my lift pump is bad while changing the filter" scenario.
Sounds like you need a pump and a guage.

 

Sounds familar doesn't it. I remember that day back in 99, didn't know squat.

 

good advice dozer thanks!, yes i am pretty sure the lift pump was dying before i replaced the fuel filter just didn't think it was that bad.

 

Now you need to check for the P2016 code, and any others. I'd start puttin change in a pickle jar right now for a new IP

 

i got her running thanks to dozer, but the pump is definately really weak.

 

When I change the fuel filter, I remove the outside brass pipe plug on top and using a small funnel fill the housing with diesel fuel. It enters on the outside of the filter so no contamination. Fires right up EVERYTIME!