car wont start up

[midenginev8]

I changed my fuel filter shortly after driving the car to pick it up and after installing the filter the car wont start. it started right up and imedietly died now it wont run. can anyone tell me whats wrong?

[PatricdeBoer]

Did you use the primer pump to purge all of the air? There is a fuel pump on the side of the injection pump with a plunger that you unscrew and pump up and down a couple of times. Don't forget to tighten it when you're done.

[Blevinsax]

Did you fill the new fuel filter with fuel before you put it on? If not, you just have a big air bubble in the fuel filter that will have to work out before it will start up. I made that mistake on our VW Beetle TDI, but it was the fuel filter in the GreaseCar WVO system. I changed the filter, took off down the road on diesel, flipped the switch to grease - the car died and refused to start again. I also had a weak battery so it died before I could get the engine reprimed.

Someone here had some great advice - fill the fuel filter with Diesel Purge so you get a nice little injector cleaning when you change the fuel filter.

[PatricdeBoer]

I'm a tight wad, I just fill it with tranny fluid instead of diesel purge.

[midenginev8]

thanks guys ill try purging the pump then. as for the next time i change it. if i fill the filter with diesel and then install it, would it work fine?

[Sbean]

How about for learning purposes, remove the new filter now and see if it's empty ? I always fill the new one with fuel; same with the pre-filter. I never have to do anything to prime: no pumping, no extra cranking. Steve

[vstech]

Originally Posted by midenginev8

thanks guys ill try purging the pump then. as for the next time i change it. if i fill the filter with diesel and then install it, would it work fine?

if you died for air in lines, you will mostlikely need to crack the injector lines at the top of the injectors, and crank until you get clear fuel out of the nuts, at all injectors.
at least loosen the spin-on bolt and pump with the primer pump until all bubbles stop and you get fuel out.
good luck,
ps, you will need a 17MM open end wrench for both the spin on return line bolt, and the injector nuts. the center bolt on the spin on is bigger more like 22 or so.
John