I would like to lead off by saying this is my first and only bus, I typically deal with Saab's, MBenz and Nissans - which are all gas, I have a Diesel Dodge Ram, but everything is quite a bit different on this international. While I have mechanical knowledge, troubleshooting this is proving difficult as its not like I can hook up a OBD reader and its a new brand to me.
I have a 2003 International Bus, with the DT466E, 134K Miles. It has been converted into a camper set up with a small kitchenette, table, 3 benches that convert into beds. Solar panels on the roof power the AUX electrical system for lighting and charging phones,etc. Tiny wood stove for heat. When I got this bus it had a bad head gasket, it had sat for about a year before I got it.
i've drained all of the oil coolant mess, cleaned everything out, replaced the head gasket put it all back together and now it wont start.
The first couple of tries after everything was together it would crank over like normal, now when I try to crank it it will only do like 4/5 revolutions and then stop on its own. I have to turn the key off and then back on to get it to crank again. The engine spins quickly and freely, so I am at a loss for that issue.
Knowing Diesels can be temperamental with air in the fuel system, I checked the fuel system, released the air at the valve above the fuel filter and filled the filter with fuel just to make sure it was full. I tried using the little hand pump above the fuel filter but it does not seem to be pushing any fuel through. I checked the return line from inside the bus at the back of the engine and its dry as can be, so it appears that fuel is making its way to the engine but not through it. I have checked all of my line connections, the oil and fuel lines are tight so no air getting in there. I replaced the intake manifold gasket, the valve cover gasket and the head gasket -along with all new fluids (oil and coolant) and filters.
Any possible suggestions as to what I could try to get it going? Also, the short cranking period is that indicative of some safety shutoff feature? I've been scouring forums for suggestions and every one that I have come across seems to either die off, or the person says "it fixed itself" so it has been of no help. I welcome any ideas or advice, thank you.