I was reading a topic regarding, draining the fuel filter that was of interest since I just encountered a starting problem after draining the fuel filter. I think my problem was due to not<br>purging the air from the filter canister before trying to start the engine. It started and ran for a few seconds and quit. After quite a few additional tries it still did not start.<br>A reply to the other topic I was reading came from SFtopSgt.<br>He stated that after draining , the primer bulb should be pressed. My question Is: I can't find a primer bulb on the filter<br>canister? This is a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 w/ 5.9L diesel.<br>Any comments will be appreciated.<br>The feed back I received on my question regarding air in fuel lines, was excellent. This is a GREAT site.<br>Thanks, Chuckb ;D

 

You will need to purge the air through one of the brass plugs in top of the filter housing. This is best done with two people, one under the hood to loosen and tighten the plug and one in the truck to bump the key. Loosen the plug in top of the filter housing and have someone bump the key like you are going to start the truck and let it back to the run position. This will cause the lift pump to run about 25 seconds or so. Tighten the plug as soon as the pump stops or you get solid fuel and no more air. You my have to do this once or twice. Then tighten the plug and it should start. Mine did every time.

 

dieseldude4x4, Thanks for your reply. I have been trying what you recommend, the only problem I didn't have anyone to close the brass plug while I bumped the starter. Maybe this is my problem if it is sucking air back in??? I repeated this procedure quite a few times and there is not much fuel purging when plug is open. I can here the lift pump operating.<br>I will try again, after battery is charged, and have my wife bump the starter while I tend the plug. Iam wondering if the injector pump is full of air. I tried cracking open one line at the head, but not getting any fuel leaking. Can all the air be purged from injector pump with just one line cracked open?<br>Thanks again for your input, Chuck ???

 

I have never had a problem starting after fuel filter changes, but and this might not appeal to some people, I fill the cannister about 3/4 full with clean fuel before installing new filter. It starts as if nothing was ever done. But I know I should use filtered fuel.