Could the fuel pump on my 617 have gone south? Actually, the car belongs to a friend and I was helping out with the usual stuff you'd do when you acquired a "new" diesel: fluid and filter change and a can of diesel purge. Took a LONG time to purge the system after the fuel filter/bypass line change. Ran o.k. for a while, but gradually started losing power. She called me yesterday and said the thing won't start. I went over, replaced the main fuel filter, but while I was doing so, I noticed there WAS NO FUEL in the secondary filter. I purged the system and tried to start the car... wouldn't catch. Again, no fuel in the in-line filter (after I'd tried to start it; I got fuel into the filter with the hand pump). Is it just a leaky primer pump, or is the main pump a goner?? I thought these things lasted forever?!

Only a used car sales person could say that with a straight face.

Basic list to check:
#1. Go get a couple gallons of diesel and add to fuel tank = fuel gauge may be wrong = empty tank.
#2. Remove screw on filter, check O ring on bolt and replace if damaged, fill filter before installing, tighten filter very hard with wrench, then prime for fifteen minutes.
#3. Replace rubber hoses from lift pump to body.

Note:
If primer pump is leaking fuel while pumping = bad pump, replace it.

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all above advice is excellent but if it doesnt work it could be algae in tank, easily solved by putting in algaecide and waiting. probably have to change filters too. black dot s in primary (small) filter.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Yes! The car did sit for a while, I believe, here in the HOME of fungus and molds, the Pacific Northwest! I agree, algicide is in order, but why does the pre-filter go dry when I turn the car over? Either the main pump is shot, or it is drawing air through the primer pump??

check to make sure the the pump is in the open postion i have send where deisel ran out of fuel is was a big pain to get them to pump back up it stuck the pump in the close postion so no fuel would get back up to the injector

Normal symptom of filter or filter bolt not sealing = sucking air.
On the diesel forum this comes up all the time.

Note:
The clear filter is Pre Filter; spin on is secondary filter.

Roger! and Roger! Thanks.

That o-ring was pretty flat. Replaced said o-ring, put the new primer pump and some brand new Viton fuel hoses on him, and that was that! Well done, sir. If you ever make it to Portland, OR, I'll buy you the beverage of your choice!

Jay.

You tempt me, I have never been there.
The trip will have to wait.