Air into diesel, empty filter
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Air into diesel, empty filter
Hi!
My 1990 E-250 must have a small leak somewhere, since the fuel leeches back from the motor to the tank, emptying the filter. It's a bitch to start... Where is the typical or suspected place where this may occur?
On the diesel filter housing there is an air nipple, can this be used to prime/fill the diesel filter so I can start the beast? Or will I have to unscrew the filter and fill it?
(Have lots of juice, OK glowplugs, otherwise shipshape, but no fuel at injector and no smoke puffs until I've cranked the starter enough to smell like a dying angle grinder).
Should I just fill the filter with a syringe and leave it alone?...
My 1990 E-250 must have a small leak somewhere, since the fuel leeches back from the motor to the tank, emptying the filter. It's a bitch to start... Where is the typical or suspected place where this may occur?
On the diesel filter housing there is an air nipple, can this be used to prime/fill the diesel filter so I can start the beast? Or will I have to unscrew the filter and fill it?
(Have lots of juice, OK glowplugs, otherwise shipshape, but no fuel at injector and no smoke puffs until I've cranked the starter enough to smell like a dying angle grinder).
Should I just fill the filter with a syringe and leave it alone?...
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
You can open that schrader valve while cranking to purge the air. At the back of the filter housing is where a return line comes up from the injectors, plug that line. Many times the check valve in the connection at the filter housing fails, allowing the fuel to drain back to the tank. I had that problem last spring. I had accidentally ran the tank dry, and always after that it was hard to start. It would fire for about 30 seconds, then die, and grind until primed and running again. I plugged that line, no more problems.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: newfoundland canada
Check your return lines for any signs of leaks ie wet spots,they are the rubber lines that run along the injectors,if the lines are still grey(oem)you should replace them with a return line kit,the kit includes the rubber lines,"o"rings and new caps for the injectors,not an expensive item and one that could cause your problem.Also how much fuel is in your tanks,less than 1/4 could be a sign of another common problem,broken pickup tubes in the tanks,add more fuel and try again.Imho you will be replacing the starter soon as they dont like to be cranked for extended periods of time.Rule of thumb,crank for 30 secs and wait 5 mins before cranking again.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
Likes: 221
From: Huntington Indiana
PNOSE is correct. i had to change all hoses in the engine compartment on my 93 a couple of years ago. Had your exact problem. Change the clamps on return lines also - don't use the originals.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Originally Posted by fellro86
You can open that schrader valve while cranking to purge the air. At the back of the filter housing is where a return line comes up from the injectors, plug that line. Many times the check valve in the connection at the filter housing fails, allowing the fuel to drain back to the tank. I had that problem last spring. I had accidentally ran the tank dry, and always after that it was hard to start. It would fire for about 30 seconds, then die, and grind until primed and running again. I plugged that line, no more problems.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Originally Posted by bjornarhuse
Hi!
My 1990 E-250 must have a small leak somewhere, since the fuel leeches back from the motor to the tank, emptying the filter. It's a bitch to start... Where is the typical or suspected place where this may occur?
On the diesel filter housing there is an air nipple, can this be used to prime/fill the diesel filter so I can start the beast? Or will I have to unscrew the filter and fill it?
(Have lots of juice, OK glowplugs, otherwise shipshape, but no fuel at injector and no smoke puffs until I've cranked the starter enough to smell like a dying angle grinder).
Should I just fill the filter with a syringe and leave it alone?...
My 1990 E-250 must have a small leak somewhere, since the fuel leeches back from the motor to the tank, emptying the filter. It's a bitch to start... Where is the typical or suspected place where this may occur?
On the diesel filter housing there is an air nipple, can this be used to prime/fill the diesel filter so I can start the beast? Or will I have to unscrew the filter and fill it?
(Have lots of juice, OK glowplugs, otherwise shipshape, but no fuel at injector and no smoke puffs until I've cranked the starter enough to smell like a dying angle grinder).
Should I just fill the filter with a syringe and leave it alone?...
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 0
From: Rep. of Texas
I believe that line is going from the fuel bowl to the injectors, not injectors to fuel bowl... this is because all of the fuel drains off of the rear driver's side injector return line T (i think its cyl # 7). but then again that wouldnt make sense, because that valve is at the top of the fuel bowl, which means it would be sucking out the fuel from the injector and the lines...
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
yes, there is another return from the back side on the driver's group, and the passenger side hooks up to the driver's side, going back to the tank. If the check valve fails, it will syphon fuel out of the filter and back to the tank. It won't drain it, but will put a nice air pocket in there.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=418622
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=419319
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=412145
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=350992
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...arts+then+dies
That's a start, and a few other ideas as well.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=418622
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=419319
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=412145
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=350992
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...arts+then+dies
That's a start, and a few other ideas as well.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
