The truck was running fine, I shut it off, went inside a gas startion and got a cup of coffee. I restarted it and started moving, then it just died.

It did not start again.

When I got it home and started checking things, I removed the fuel line coming from the fuel filter and cranked the truck and there was no fuel from the line.

It bothers me that there are no codes associated with the problem.

I want to make sure I check all the possiblities before I replace the VP44.

thanks...gary

 

Okay, I apparently do not know what I am doing here.

Can you give me a detailed rundown on how to get the air out of the fuel lines?
When I crack the injectors at the block, I am getting fuel, but not that much. How much should be coming out at the block if I break those lines?
Also, should I be cracking them one at a time and tightening them back up quickly to avoid getting air back in the line?

It appears that the number one injector has the least amount of fuel coming out of it.

thanks...gary

 

Gary,
With the injectors unscrewed a couple of turns, turn the key on so the lift pump will cycle. I usually do this 2 or 3 times. Then turn the engine over to start it. It may fire off. Don't use the starter very long--15 to 20 seconds max. (You don't want to overheat your starter and create another problem) After the 15-20 seconds of engine turning over and no start, give your starter a 30 second rest. Then repeat process.

I usually have the front 3 injectors open. When the engine fires off it will be irregular and clear itself up as the remaining air is passed. Fuel will be passing the loose threads, but just take your wrench and tighten the injectors one at a time (as the engine is running).

 

Thanks D2 Cat... I will give it a try this a.m.

Thanks for the info in the PM also....gary

 

phal, I have never tried the method D2 describes, but it would be the only way I could see doing it by yourself, diesel is not that flammable, so I doubt you would have a problem leaving all 3 loose for a few seconds while it runs.

 

On old Cats with the pony engine starter, it's about the only way to get them going when the pony's sick and you have air in the system!

They had a mechanical lift pump. Open the lines at the injectors, pull with a bigger machine until she fires, get off and tighten the line nuts.

So, that's the same process I've used on the ford 6.9 I have and 730 Case, and the 01 dodge (when I changed fuel filter, and replaced/relocated LP).

 

Well, I finally was able to work on the truck this morning. I opened injectors 1,3 & 4 and cranked the truck over for 10 second stretches, maybe 12 times. I had large puddles of fuel under the injectors but the truck would not hit.

I finally tightened the injectors that were open, cranked it again, and the truck fired right up, missing badly at first, but running.

It then smoothed out, I took it for a short drive and all seems ok.

Thanks for the great advice guys...

Gary Moore