Hello,
My truck started on the first crank until I messed with it.

I recently changed the fuel filter in my truck and after reading a few posts I filled the new one with Diesel-Klean.

I must have cranked the engine for 10 to 15 minutes and I could not get it to start until I drained all of the fluid out of the filter. (Not 10 minutes in a row, I only did 20 second attempts)

Now my truck is slow to start, before the change it would fire on the first crank. Now it takes 4 or 8 seconds of cranking to start it.

When it does start it runs really rough for 15 seconds or so, spitting white smoke and then it smooths out.


I did not know about purging the Scharder (bad spelling) valve.

Any thoughts on what I may have done? Any idea how I can get my truck starting normal again?

Thanks
Dan

 

Well it could be air in the lines or you burned out a glow plug. Have you tried bleeding the filter head?

 

Hello,
No, I don't know how to bleed the filter head. I did buy 8 new ZD9 glow plugs. I'm ready to put them in as soon as I get a chance.
If you could tell me how to bleed the filter head that would be great.
Dan

 

On the filter head to the right side of it you will see what looks like a tire valve stem. With some help have someone crank the engine while you push in the pin of the stem until fuel comes out. I use the backside of the cap or you can use a ball point pen just no screwdriver or anything that could prevent it from sealing again.

 

Thanks Mike,
I will start there and see what happens, I did notice that my "Wait to start light is turning off quicker. Could this mean I have a bad glow plug?

 

that is a very good possibility especially if you let them glow several times in a row and also depends on the brand of the plug.i would guess glow plugs first.if it has ran for more than a couple minutes all the air is purged out of the system.you could also have leaky return lines as well and that can cause hard starting as well.when you do the glowplugs i recommend atleast putting new o-rings on your injectors because you will probably be bumping them around to get the glow plugs replaced.if you get the entire return line kit pensecola diesel has them for $19

 

Josh,
Do you mean that if it has run it has purged all of the air trapped when I changed the filter?
To me it seems like it has water in it, really runs rough and pours white smoke for 4 to 8 seconds. Then the truck smooths out and runs great.
I should have left well enough alone.

 

Update-
I have been plugging the block heater in over night and the truck starts like a brand new truck, no smoke and on the first half crank. Like MAGIC! Vroom, no hesitation at all.

Is this a good indication that it is my glow plugs?

 

Josh,
Is this hard to do? I have never done it and really don't want to screw anything up. I will search for a procedure but just wanted your take on it.
Thanks
Dan

 

its really a waste to leave the truck plugged in all night, i believe it draws like 12 amps or so. most people here say 3 hours and ill agree with that.