Is there a special procedure to go through after replacing the fuel filter to purge the air from the fuel system?

 

No, on a third gen truck I just bump the starter then leave the key on for a minute so the pump will run and refill the canister. Then you can just start it up and drive it away normally.

On a common rail truck, the injectors are opened electrically instead of with pressure, so you don't have to worry about the air being trapped in the system.

 

Let the fuel pump push it thru. If you have run it for more than 5 minutes, the air is gone. If you still have air in the system, then the filter housing is probably sucking air.

 

Thanks guys. I will keep on trying... After these recomendations I still can't get it to start??

 

You need to get the filter can refilled, and get fuel up to the injecters, or the truck won't start easily. If you continue to spin the engine without it starting, you're causing excessive wear. It's not spinning fast enough to get the oil where it needs to be.

Fortunatly, the "special procedure" is pretty simple. When you first turn the key to "Run", the fuel pump will run for a few seconds to pressurize the system and get it ready to start.

Cycle the key back and forth between "Run" and "Off", without attempting to start. 5-6 times seems to be enough for my truck. It then starts a smidgen slower than normal, but it does start. After that, it just starts like normal.

 

OK it has started for real!! Thank you all, .boB your recommendation lead me to get it correct. Here is something my son noticed; during the key run/key stop sequence after the 5th or 6th time the glo-plug light went off and the lift pump did not come on. We figured finally the reservoir was full and kept pressure due to no air in the line.
This is the second time I have gotten great help from DTR.
My eternal thanks…
Antenna Guy