Problems starting after fuel filter change

[randytrish]

Hey guys,
I can't get my truck (88 k2500) to start after I changed the factory style square fuel filter. My fuel filter light had been on for a while and I went through the procedure of trying to drain any water. I didn't get anything. I decided to go ahead and change the filter. I opened the air outlet on top of the filter housing and turned the switch on and nothing. I have two manuals and they both have the same procedure.....what am I missing.
Thanks in advance,
Randy

 

[just a number]

which fuel pump do you have the electric or mechanical version?

 

[randytrish]

Mechanical

 

[NVW]

Some members put an electrical pump on in place of the mechanical. Better fuel delivery and easy priming.

 

[randytrish]

I know that some switch to the electric pump, but I need to get my truck going. Can I use starting fluid to get it running until it picks up the fuel?

 

[CtChevy427]

I know that some switch to the electric pump, but I need to get my truck going. Can I use starting fluid to get it running until it picks up the fuel?

No starting fluid. You can/will cause internal engine damage........

 

[just a number]

how long have you been cranking the engine? it'll take 3-4 times of 15 seconds or so to get anything. don't forget to give the starter a break between cranks, a minute is good. they get hot fast. if that fails make sure you have fuel at the pump.

 

[Missy Good Wench]

Here is the issue.

If you just swapped filters then went to start the engine, you have stuffed the system full of AIR.

UNhook the Large Pink/red wire from the injection pump.

Open the air bleeder on the filter and have a helper crank the engine until you get air free fuel out the bleeder hole.

Close the bleeder, crank the engine to get fuel back into the injector pump and to the injectors.

Once you get them fullof air, it can take a bit to get them going again.

Loosen a couple of the injector lines on each side of the engine at the injectors, this will allow the IP to push the air out quickly.

Once you get fuel coming out, tighten the lines and it should start.

These systems will purge themselves out in a short time, but may miss and shake a bit.

Always unhook the Red/Pink wire when changing the filter, then bleed the air from the filter, hook the wire back up and the engine will start right off with no worries.

Your not in dire straights here, just a little air is all.

Good luck, let us know.

Missy

 

[randytrish]

Thanks for all of the replies. I finally got it. The next morning when I went to work on it I could hear the electric pump running. I thought the truck had a manual pump (I've only had it a couple of weeks). I opened the air bleeder and got fuel out. After about three attempts of starting it fired off.

 

[just a number]

welcome to what happens when you mix a diesel with air. the electric pump is alot easier to bleed. I just change the filter and turn the keys on for 5 minutes or so. no cranking just on. all the air gets pushed back to the tank.