namyrreb
12-28-2009, 08:26 AM
and restore your fuel system after running out of diesel:helpsmilie:ugh!!!: Reedville area
hackeyfly
12-28-2009, 08:38 AM
I'm no diesel mechanic, but every diesel I've ever run out of fuel was able to be bled by having a helper crank over the engine while you crack the fuel line at the injector. Be careful, though, the fuel comes out at extremely high pressure, don't let it penetrate your skin. If it's a Cat, it may have a hand pump on the injector pump to assist with bleeding out air. Doesn't the manufacturers operating manual give a procedure for bleeding? If you don't have that, you may be able to find the procedure online if you know the make and model of your engine. When I'm working, I'm surrounded by heavy diesel earthmoving equipment, they can and do run out of fuel from time to time due to operator error, and usually can be put back in action with a few simple hand tools by non-mechanic types. Good luck!
Pat in Joppa
PlaynHooky
12-28-2009, 09:25 AM
Good advice above! MOST the engines I have seen have some mechanical way to "prime" the engine.......Keep us posted on your progress!
swampfox
12-28-2009, 04:17 PM
Two tips from the January Popular Mechanics magazine, in addition to the above mentioned cracking the fuel line.
"On some diesels you'll find a button on top of the fuel filter. Pressing it 10 to 20 times is sufficient to bleed the air out of the system.
My Chevy pickup and many others have an electric feeder pump on the chassis directly under the driver's floor pan. Turning on the ignition activates the pump, which allows you to bleed the whole fuel system without cranking the engine. Simple attach a hose to the bleeder screw near the thermostat housing and have an assistant turn the key to the run position until bubble-free fuel runs from the hose."