How to Start a Diesel Engine After a Low Fuel Issue
There are common scenarios many drivers face with their diesel engines, such as the inability to start the engine after operating the vehicle with an almost empty fuel tank. This article will explore the details of why your diesel engine may not start and the steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Why Isn’t My Diesel Engine Starting After I Filled It Up?
When your diesel engine stops working due to an empty fuel tank and you’ve filled it up, you may encounter a problem starting the engine again. This can be frustrating and inconvenient.
The primary issue is that the fuel system may be clogged with air, which can prevent the engine from properly drawing in the necessary fuel to start. This is a common problem in diesel engines due to their fuel injection systems. If you’re having trouble starting your engine, it might be due to air in the fuel system.
Why You Need to Bleed the Fuel System
The process of bleeding the fuel system is essential to resolve this issue. Bleeding the system essentially means removing the trapped air in the fuel lines and fuel rails, allowing the engine to draw in the proper amount of fuel for ignition. To bleed the system, you typically start by unscrewing the knob on the injection pump and pumping it up and down until you either get bored or your fingers get sore. Then, push it back down and re-tighten. Priming the fuel system with the injection pump knob ensures that the engine is properly filled with fuel, saving the battery and starter motor from unnecessary strain.
Additional Steps to Resolve Starting Issues
In some cases, introducing starting fluid into the air horn can help the engine start if the fuel system is still too air-filled. However, it is crucial to avoid letting your diesel engine run out of fuel, as this can damage the vacuum within the fuel system and leave you with air-filled fuel rails. Releasing the air from the fuel rails by depressing the bleeder valve can sometimes be necessary to get the engine to start. It’s also helpful to leave the key in the “ON” position and have someone depress the bleeder valve until fuel squirts out, which should indicate the system is properly filled.
Another method involves using the Forcefeed Diesel Fuel Injection System. This method is especially useful in older vehicles that lack modern electronic control systems. By directly injecting fuel into the air horn via a valve, you can ensure that the engine gets a sufficient amount of fuel to start. This process might need to be repeated a few times to ensure the engine is properly fueled.
Pro tips for Preventing Similar Issues in the Future
To prevent future starting issues, always monitor the fuel level in your vehicle and refuel regularly. Avoid letting the fuel level drop too low, as this can cause significant air to enter the fuel system, making it much harder to start the engine. Furthermore, investing in a reliable fuel gauge and setting fuel stop points can help you avoid running out of fuel entirely.
Remember, even with modern technology, dielectronic engines can face starting issues due to air in the fuel system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve these issues efficiently and effectively.