Cat 3208 wont start after running out of fuel!

DemianM · Post by **DemianM** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:51 am

I know, I am a bit idiot, but I ran low on fuel one month ago while taking my boat from the marina to the boatyard (10 min ride), a both engines died. While up there, I added about 30 gallons of diesel, and primed both engines. Port engine fired up after lots of cranking. Starboard engine is not even near starting! My mechanic swears these engines are self priming. He says you should only prime using the pump at the fuel filter, and thats it, it should start alone. Is there anything else needed for proper starting? I was about to open the injectors as some other friend suggested. I know the filters are toast, but it should start nonetheless, this does not worry me since I am doing a complete service this week. Thanks in advance! Demian

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:14 pm

Yes... you need to crack open the fuel line nut at each injector, pump the primer until non bubbly fuel comes out, then tighten the injector nut. Then repeat 15 times for each injector. Oh yeah, you need fire that mechanic too

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 5:10 pm

Holy cow you need to find a new diesel man. He is an idiot. Now you may not have to crack more then two or three lines at the injectors. Crank her over for no more then 10 seconds. You do not want to overheat the starter. Tighten up the lines and fire her up. If nothing after a few seconds repeat first step.

DemianM · Post by **DemianM** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 5:38 pm

Thanks! I had thought so! Do i have to remove the line? Or can i only loosen the nut a few turns?

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 1:09 pm

Just loosen the nut

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:11 pm

Demian... I am no diesel whiz, but for your info, so if it happens to you again you will know why you should do what everybody above says... Your diesel fuel gets into each cylinder by being forced through the tubing that comes from the (high pressure) injector pump into each injector. The pressure from the injector pump at the injector has to be high enough to overcome the pressure that is already in the cylinder, plus enough pressure that when the fuel is pushed out the injector it atomizes. When you get air (which is compressible) in the lines between the injector pump and the injector it sort of acts like a shock absorber and will not let the pressure build up enough to force the fuel into the injector. If the fuel can't get through the injector your engine can't run. When you loosen the tubing connection at the top of the injector and turn the engine with the starter the air and some fuel will spritz out of the loose fitting. When no air comes out, but only fuel does, you know you have bled all the air out of that line. Then tighten that fitting and go on to the next one. Most of the time you can get your engine to run without (in your 3208 case) bleeding the air from all 8 fittings.. often only a couple of tubes need to be bled of air, and their cylinders will run the engine roughly and after a short while all the air will be gone and your engine will run normally. Just trying to explain why you need to bleed the air from the tubing connection to the injector.

DemianM · Post by **DemianM** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:24 pm

Frank, thanks a lot for the help! I was sure that the injectors needed opening! I had run out of fuel in the past and opened them, but this guy kept insisting it was not needed... I will go to the boat tomorrow and fire her up! I will also take some pics now that she is back in the water.

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:06 pm

My understanding is that it's very bad for the injectors have air being pushed through them (wears them out fast), hence the reasoning behind the recommendation to bleed them all before you try to start the engine.

lwrenn · Post by **lwrenn** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 3:54 pm

Open the bleeder valve on the fuel pump and prime the pump untill only clean fuel is seen. Start with a very small shot of lubricated starting fliud and she should clear on her own the rest of the way. My problem was the seal where shaft for the accellerator cable went into the pump was leaking air and fuel was dripping on the block. There was a factory recall and a check valve had to be added. No more problems after that. Captain Larry Wren 305-360-4900 www.apirateschoice.com