I replaced the filters and now cannot start the truck. The started keeps cycling like it wants to start but it doesn't. I'm new to diesels, so I assume I screwed something up.

Here's what I did:
1. Started with the undercarriage filter.
2. Opened the shuttlecock to drain.
3. Pulled the wire out.
4. Unscrewed the filter and replaced it.
5. Replaced O-ring
6. Reversed the process and checked that wire was plugged in and shuttlecock closed.
7. Began filter exchange under hood.
8. Removed both tubes (the green/blue one that you pinch it to loosen it and then the one with the yellow thing on it)
9. Used 7mm wrench to loosen it and took out old filter.
10. Put in new filter and tightened the hose clamp back tight.
11. put both hoses back on
12. turned the key to on but no turning over engine and waited 30 seconds. Repeated this 5 more times.
13. Turned it over and it wouldn't start.

What did I do wrong? I can't get it to start. I killed the battery trying. I'll jump it tomorrow and try again with your suggestions.

 

You may just need to cycle more than the 5 times.

 

I cycled 6 times once and then 8 times the second time

 

So I was able to get it fixed with a little help before y'all were able to respond. But for future reference, a few thoughts:

1. When you take off the main filter housing (under the truck), make sure you clean out all the gunk inside with a water hose AND around the threads on the part attached to the truck. I sprayed break cleaner on there to clean the threaded part. It got really clean, BUT it was also very difficult to tighten all the way. If it doesn't get tightened all the way, you have an air leak and it won't start. So, I added a little all purpose grease around the male threads and it worked like a charm....still a super tight fit. But it allows you to really feel when it is tightened as far as it goes. This made me worry less about over-tightening it.

2. Then you lube the new o-ring (it comes with the new filter) with some motor oil (I used some of the all purpose grease) and put it up in there, put in the new main filter, screw the housing back on, re-attach the wire, and close the shuttlecock. Make sure of 2 things....first that the wire is ALL the was plugged in or it won't start. It's a little deceiving when you're under there, but it's important. Second, and this is important, make sure the shuttlecock is closed all the way until it is touching
the black filter housing or it won't start (this was my problem). I just closed mine until it stopped draining so much.

3. REALLY IMPORTANT - after you get the main and second (under hood) filter plugged in, you need to cycle the key 6 - 12 times (I've heard people swear to both). One cycle = turn the key on until the dash lights get lit up but the engine doesn't start. Then keep it on for 20 seconds. then turn off. This completes one cycle. Repeat this cycle 6 - 12 times...again i've heard people swear to both, so I just did 12.

Then it started.

4. Make sure you have access to a jump box AND another vehicle to keep your batteries full. Running the starter a bunch of times like I did killed my battery quickly. Once you get your engine started, unplug the vehicle jumper cables pretty quickly or your diesel can fry the woosy man's gas vehicle.

TOOLS I USED-
1. 32mm socket and a wrench (you could just use a large set of vice grips I guess)
2. 7mm socket for loosening the o-ring around the upper filter housing.
3. Break cleaner to clean off the main filter housing.
4. All purpose grease for the main filter threads and O-ring.
5. a towel to lay on
6. Some oil to lube the main filter O-ring if you don't want to use the grease.

**If you do everything right, it will take a max 30 minutes. After you've done it once....maybe 15-20 minutes.

Hope this helps, amigos.