DT466e Fuel System Won’t Prime

[BamaBus]

Thanks for the update! Can you give the specifics on what you used for the fitting, line and pump? I don't recall ever seeing that here as a way to get that prime started.

 

[a1268]

Thanks for the update! Can you give the specifics on what you used for the fitting, line and pump? I don't recall ever seeing that here as a way to get that prime started.

Yes!

Starting from the filter head thumb screw, I replaced that with a 1/8” MIP to 1/4” MIP > 1/4”FIP to 1/“4 MIP Ball Valve > 1/4” FIP to 1/8” FIP > 1/8” MIP to 1/4” Barb > connected to the Barb I had a harbor freight vacuum pump, which I used the included cup to catch the fuel to prevent it going into the pump itself. It’s the pump for $23, red in color with a gauge. I basically opened the valve, pumped, once the cup was almost full, I closed the valve, released pressure on the pump and emptied the cup then repeated that until it was clean and clear fuel. Worked very well actually, only thing I wish I had was a little bigger of a cup but no big deal.

The assortment of fittings is a tad goofy but it’s what I had laying around so I made it work.

 

[nikitis]

I would get some biocides. Sounds like you may have some sludge buildups, and adding fresh diesel to the tank should help too.

 

[a1268]

I would get some biocides. Sounds like you may have some sludge buildups, and adding fresh diesel to the tank should help too.

What makes you say sludge buildup? I found the check ball in a shriveled up mess so I was guessing that but maybe I’m wrong on it. I did add some fresh fuel

 

[nikitis]

Still good to do if you've had diesel in your tank for awhile. If you're recycling the fuel quite often it can be fine, but even then it can build on the inner walls of the tank. What you don't want to have happen is it slowly build up and then large chunks of it get caught in the fuel system one day.

It's good practice to do once every 2-3 years like changing out oil and filters. And even sooner if you let diesel sit there for 2-3 months without cycling out a tank from sitting.