[LeftHanded]

Wise and seasoned IDI folks,

My 1990 F350 7.3 R head was warped. Fixed after machining and magnafluxing. Now it's all installed. Glow plugs are in, new O rings on the injectors, new alternator, filled with oil, radiator juice, etc etc. The fan and shroud go on last. The batteries are charged. The biggest PITA was getting the injection pump mechanically timed with the gear below it, as SOMEONE let it move, so the front of the engine had to come off so as to correctly align the pump. Insert swear words, here.

The exhaust is back on, everything. In the morning, the fan and shroud. Then it's time to kick it on.

Do I need to prime the system via the Shrader valve? Any other last minute REMEMBER TO CHECK THIS sort of things? Yes, the wiring is on right. Yes, fluids everywhere. Belts are good. The bores were cleaned out very well. The last head installer wasn't the best, and didn't do a very good job.

Do tell, fellow gearheads, do tell me your best advice about any nagging details (including if I need to prime the pump).

Thanks in advance,

Lefty

 

[LMJD]

Shouldn't need to prime it, but that's providing the fuel and starting systems are in A-1 shape. You DO want to fill the fuel filter with diesel though.

 

[LeftHanded]

It was never emptied, so should be lots in there. Use the Shrader valve to expel fuel in the system? The starter is great. Batteries are fresh.

 

[oldrebuiltdodge]

Spin the engine for 30 seconds, let it rest for 60 seconds, repeat as necessary. After about the third try it should start. Sometimes more sometimes not as much, but don't run the starter any more than 30 seconds at a time without that minute of rest. That's when it starts getting hard on the starter.

 

[chuckster57]

I was told by a well respected IDI member that 20 seconds with 2 minute rest was needed. Can't say I've always followed that rule, but I do agree, short spin long rest. These starters draw heavy and heat up quick.

 

[oldrebuiltdodge]

You're right. Short work long rest. The only time I ever burned a starter up was when I didn't follow that simple procedure.

 

[710 Burner]

I do not have much experience with the IDI, but I have some with the 6.5 Detroit, which uses the same pump. If you introduced air into all the lines leaving the pump, it might be best to take the glow plugs out, and prime the lines. If you just put air into one side, i would just go for it.