1994 F350 Won't Start After Draining Fuel Bowl

[jsnell]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum. I have just purchased a 1994 Diesel F350 Crew Cab Dually, Non-Power Stroke with Centurion Package. The water in fuel light came on. I followed the manual instructions to drain the water and now it won't start. The water in fuel light does not come on now at all. I hear a clicking after the wait to start light goes out that appears to be coming from a relay above the valve cover. It's stuck in the driveway blocking my other truck. I hate to get started this way but I could use some help. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards

[suv7734]

How much fluid did you drain from it? Are you getting any smoke out of the tailpipe? It sounds like it is just needing to be 'primed' again. That will mean you need to crank it to fill the fuel filter again. When cranking it is important to only crank for about 20-30 seconds and then let the starter cool down for 2-3 minutes before cranking again.

[jsnell]

I drained all the fuel out of the filter and the bowl. Doesn't seem to be getting fuel when cranking.

[Phillipmc1268]

In the future, don't do that. The water settles to the bottom so it's only necessary to drain a small amount, a tablespoon or two should do it. As you have just found out, diesels hate air in the fuel system. Take the filter off and refill it with a diesel fuel additive such as power service. The reason for the additive and not diesel is that it needs to be very clean. The additive is clean, diesel, unless filtered is not which could lead to messing up the injection pump. Fill it through the outside holes and replace the filter.

Next you have to get the air out. To do this there is a schrader valve, just like a valve stem on a tire, on top of the filter housing. I ensure the truck is in park or neutral with the brake set then turn the key on, go under the hood and jump the solenoid while depressing the schrader valve. When pure fuel comes out it should start. If you don't know how to jump the solenoid, have an assistant crank the truck.

It is most important not to crank for more than 20 maybe 30 seconds before letting the starter cool off for a few minutes. Unless the cranking speed is fairly high, it will never start, so it's a good idea to have a good battery charger hooked up or jump it off from another vehicle.

If it still doesn't start, loosen the injector lines about three turns each and crank until steady fuel comes through. You'll know when it's right, it will be a strong stream with no foam. Tighten them as they get right. Do not even touch the plastic caps or small hoses running to them under these line fittings. They have a snap fit with an o-ring seal that is rather delicate. If disturbed, and they have any age on them at all, they will most likely let air in the system.

Do not be tempted to use starting fluid. It explodes the glow plugs unless the glow plug relay, that thing you heard clicking, is disconnected.

Let the engine run for 10 or 15 minutes before shutting it back down. Their is air in the return lines that needs to make it's way back to the tank or it will be hard to start again.

[jsnell]

I got it started. I had to hook up my battery charger and turn it over until it started. 1st lesson learned. I did get a lot of crap out of the bottom of the bowl after I removed it though. It seems this will happen every time the fuel filter is replaced. It also runs much better now.

Thanks for the help. I'll post information on the truck soon.