All my other fuel filter changes have gone fine... except for this one. Took the old filter off, removed WIF sensor, replaced o-ring with the new one the new filter came with, worked a little diesel fuel into the gasket and put the new filter assembly on.

Pushed the priming button several HUNDRED times, took filter off and it was bone dry. Reinstalled the filter and pushed the priming button about 100 times more, filter is still empty. I can push on the water drain and nothing comes out still.

The filter came with a thick square-edged o-ring that will fit inside the diameter of the rounded o-ring that seals the WIF sensor. Don't remember having used that one before. I haven't tried using the bleeder valve on top of the filter housing, but figure I shouldn't have to to at least get some fuel to the filter. I tried pressing the priming button when I had the filter off the second time, and no fuel dripped out.

The fuel tank is full, filled up 18 miles ago. Any idea whats going on? I can't try to pressurized fuel tank method because I'm not at home where I have access to an air compressor.

Thanks for any help.

 

roll the engine over a little.... its the cam lobe...

 

Is it ok to disconnect the three wire harness that runs to the fuel shutoff solenoid and then turn it over? My truck likes to start on the first revolution and the last thing I want to do is have it start and suck a bunch of air in. I bumped the starter a couple times but I don't think it actually turned over. Thanks for the quick help

 

i say grab a 15mm socket and a ratchet and turn over the crank by hand 360* from the bolts that are on the "balancer" or try and do it from the alternator's big nut....then try and prime the pump.


I say that because 1st and 2nd gen pumps are different and i dont know about the wiring. if youre in a bind do it by hand. its easy.

 

JBradley500 - thanks a ton for the help. Ended up disconnecting the connector to the shutoff solenoid and turning it over. After a few tries and a lot of priming I got some fuel to the filter. Took a couple tries to get it to start, but eventually it chugged to life and runs fine.

I've got a nice half-circle shaped blister on my thumb from where the diesel fuel and primer bulb rubbed it raw...

Anyway, thanks again for the help.

 

That's where a garden hoe comes in handy. Laugh if you will, but you can stroke that pump fast and without pain for quite a long time if necessary...
Besides, around my place that is the only time the hoe gets used...

 

Why not pre-fill the filter with diesel fuel before putting it on? Or, did you do that and just didn't list it?

 

Actually the cam lobe position has nothing to do with the primer button, they are two separate pumps.

 

hmm thats new to me... maybe im thinking the 1st gen diaphragm pumps?

 

Weird, I wonder what would have kept it from priming...

You get a "thumbs up" for that idea. Dang blister

 

The cam lobe may have been keeping the check valve A from sealing??? It takes a while to get fuel once you pull the heater etc apart as the fuel drains back to tank. I feel your pain..

 

Youve got to be kidding...push the priming bulb with a 10-12" chunk of wooden dowel. Save your thumb for other things !



EDIT - Looks like Pat already beat me to the tip

 

Two tips. Either use a broom handle or some other handle on the button, or disconnect the solenoid harness and just use the starter to crank. I tried priming it with the broom handle, then got lazy and just cranked the engine for about 20-30 seconds. Plug the harness back in and fires right up.

 

I have an old fuel cap with an air chuck tapped in that I use for priming.
Open the bleed screw, pressurize the tank to 5 psi max and in about 15 seconds the filter is full and air purged.
I haven't touched a primer button in over ten years.

 

infidel, I made a cap like that and have tried to use it the last three filter changes, it just will not work for me. I even get air bubbles at the bleed screw. I have left the da-- thing on w/air to it for 5min just will not work.

Floyd