Turns over but won't start

[OLD GAR]

My problem isn't a failure to turn over with the starter. That is great. I had started the engine up to move the bugger and after about 10 minutes idling it died. Checked the fuel level (fuel gauge never worked). That "seemed" ok but added fuel anyway. This engine has always needed a tiny shot of ether on the first start of the day to start. Now no small coaxing will get it going. If there is air in the pump/injector system what is the best way to bleed the system?

 

[Dave_eng]

From looking at earlier posts I realize you have a B7500.

Using ether is a quick way to end its life.

Do your glow plugs heat up?

Dave

 

[Newlyme]

..... This engine has always needed a tiny shot of ether on the first start of the day to start. .....

Uh Oh.
This may be the problem. Especially since this no longer works.
Sounds like it is time for a compression test.

 

[OLD GAR]

Yeah it is a B7500 that is long in the tooth but even though it takes a tiny breath of ether this hasn't been a BIG problem. It has average power and rpm once the engine is running. Glow plugs? In the 4 years I've had the bugger the glow plugs have never made any difference in attempting cold starts. I've put 300 hours since I bought it used with 400 hours on it.
So this glitch just came up after sitting for two days, doing a cold start and idling for 10 minutes then poof. A little smoke then zip.
My question is did my fuel supply ingest air? If so how to "prime" or check fuel delivery. Some youtuber showed an electric fuel pump but I don't have that. Just the tiny little pump above the fuel block.

 

[OLD GAR]

And with the FEL at half mast and on a block, access to the fuel distribution area requires a contortionist. It is sitting in front of my carport and If I drag it out of the way Im sure the bucket will go to the ground and there will be no power steering.

 

[Russell King]

I suggest you investigate the fuel flow out of the tank. Or if you need to get it moved you can rig up a method to feed the injector pump directly with a remote fuel supply to see if it will run with clean fuel.


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[OLD GAR]

Thanks Russell. I get a normal flow from the fuel line to the pump when disconnecting from the tank. If I go direct to the injector pump with an electric fuel pump, would the fuel pressure be too much? And would that eliminate any air in the injector pump?
Thanks for your time and help!

 

[D2Cat]

Might try a piece of clear hose just before the injection pump to see if you detect air bubbles when you do get it running. Then you can work backward, or forwards, depending on what you discover.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Crack the injector lines at the injectors, set the throttle to high, crank in short intervals to let the starter cool and when you get fuel to the injector, tighten up the fittings and run it.

 

[Russell King]

Thanks Russell. I get a normal flow from the fuel line to the pump when disconnecting from the tank. If I go direct to the injector pump with an electric fuel pump, would the fuel pressure be too much? And would that eliminate any air in the injector pump?

Thanks for your time and help!

Ok good that you know the flow is good. Since you know that, is it flowing after the filter and at the pump inlet?
Since it ran for 10 minutes and died I think you may have something limiting the flow to the pump.

But bleed the injector lines per NIW’s instructions above and see if it will start now. If it starts and then dies after a few minutes that would confirm a flow problem (in my opinion).

I think you could use a low pressure pump but it would not eliminate air in the pump unless there is a bleed valve on the pump.


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[torch]

Glow plugs? In the 4 years I've had the bugger the glow plugs have never made any difference in attempting cold starts.

Well then I think that answers the question about whether or not the glow plugs work. Either that, or you are not glowing them long enough.

Personally, I'd track down the problem and fix the glow plug circuit before playing any more russian roulette with the ether can. Especially at a time when you are going to be tempted to use more and more trying to overcome your new problem.

 

[OLD GAR]

You guys are the greatest, and I really appreciate your input and solutions. Sunday - almost all day - our fire department is doing an honor escort for a fallen fire fighter. But come monday I plan to tackle the bugger with these new suggestions. Thanks again fellow oranges!

 

[OLD GAR]

Well some good news and just to follow up I'm going to sing a song . . . Keep a movin Dan He;s a devil not a man but he stretched the burnin sand withe WATER COOL CLEAR WATER
I've no way to yet know how but there was about a half cup of water that had gotten into the whole fuel system. Drained the tank, shutoff valve to the fuel pump then cracked the injectors and cranked in short periods till the injector lines discharged clear fuel. She hasn't started just yet but while getting the water out of the system, I had to go easy because I didn't want to overstretch the starter.
Again I appreciate all the good advice that helped me learn how to proceed.