Hi! I'm new here and I just wanted to learn some more about my nice diesel van but I got a problem so I guess I'll have to start with that.:o:

The truck has about 65,000 miles and I've changed the fuel filter a few times before. Anyway, after I take off the old filter and put the new one on, I open the air bleed valve and start the truck. It runs for a few seconds and then dies, which is what has always happened. This is where the problem starts. After it dies, I usually crank it a little and fuel starts to come out of the air bleed valve. This time it doesn't.:eek: I crank it a lot but no fuel.

So...I guess it has to be the supply pump? It looks easy to change and my local dealer has one in stock.

Anyone know what the problem is, or just have a guess? Thanks.

You could apply about 2-3 lbs of air pressure to the fuel tank at the fill spout untill fuel comes out of the bleeder.

with the bleeder open, and the key forward/engine off, does fuel come out of the bleeder? if it doesn't then it is your lift pump.

do you have a manual for your truck? if you do follow it step by step. if you do the water drain valve out of sequence, you will have a problem like this. this happened to me last time i changed my fuel filter.

It's a better idea to jump the LP relay and empty the drain "T" under power, 'till all the crap has passed. Then open the bleed for air and then let the pressure build internally before cranking. LP could be bad but OPS is in the circuit as well.

Make sure batts are fully charged so you can meet min crank speed, with a 2001 key on only will power lift pump you should hear it run unless you are having power problems to the lift pump, may have to do multiple times to get all air out of filter body, keep venting thru bowl top vent, eventually it will vent, then continued cranking will vent injectors.

Thanks for all the help. Is the lift pump the little one that supplies fuel to the injector pump? Just trying to get the vocabulary under control.;)


with the bleeder open, and the key forward/engine off, does fuel come out of the bleeder? if it doesn't then it is your lift pump.

do you have a manual for your truck? if you do follow it step by step. if you do the water drain valve out of sequence, you will have a problem like this. this happened to me last time i changed my fuel filter.

Fuel doesn't come out of the bleeder with the key forward and engine off. I have a small book called the "diesel supplement" that came with the van and has directions for changing the fuel filter. I've been following those directions.:)

You should hear the lift pump come on with key in that position even with a stopped up filter, power for fuel pump comes thru the Oil pressure switch, back center of engine just below your fuel filter, also a fuse for lift pump, lift pump is frame mounted just aft of drivers side door, looks like a in-line fuel filter with wires attached, unplug connector, with key on you should get 12v across the wires from harness, if you don't then something is wrong with the power side, to get you up & running again you can slave in power direct to the pump on a switch you can throw to energize the pump to vent your filter and injectors, the truck will run at reduced top end power on IP only, I don't think an IP alone will self vent, you can help by flooding the bowl with as much Diesel it can hold without spilling over. Switch is a temporary measure to "hot wire" the lift pump. Need to find out why you have no power, or if pump does not run in hot wire mode you need a new lift pump.

Thanks for the tips Turbine Doc. :) I have a digital meter that tests voltage and resistance and all that stuff so I'll do that testing you recomended. I got a new lift pump so I'm all ready to go!

This forum is great. I sure don't feel like this guy :help: any more!

Glad to be of assistance spread the word about the site

I just wanted to say what the problem was with my truck, now that it's solved. I pulled off the lift pump and checked with the volt meter. It was getting power. I then switched the meter to resistance testing and tested the pump. It had no reading so that convinced me the old pump was toast.

I put in the new pump, turn the key and hear the most beautiful sound! (It sounded a lot like the pump in my travel trailer actually.):h ) Anyway, the truck is running really smooth and you guys had it nailed right away. :bow: :thankyou2

Great we love to hear success stories, it gives us hope that every once in a while all is rite with the Diesel Gods and they smile on us. Now to keep it happy and healthy IMO you need a frame mounted filter see info in FAQs, also search for threads on OPS and relay power to run the pump vs OPS routed power.