2004 WJ/WG 2.7 CRD fuel line bleed/prime process?

[ryanh1006]

Ok, so if you saw my previous post I'm importing two GCs with 2.7 CRD into Kyrgyzstan. The train from Latvia arrived today with my Jeeps (and a diesel Focus for good measure) on it. My overland started right up. However, my Laredo will crank with jumper cables but not start. No engine codes as far as I can tell. My guess is that the fuel line has bled back into the tank and I'm pumping an air bubble. Since all the pumping is done by the engine block I understand that it's best to pull the fuel forward out of the tank. I've read a brief description of the process somewhere on the web, but with pics it doesn't really make sense. Can anyone help me with this? It's a bit chaotic here and I really need to drive it out of the rail yard tomorrow instead of towing it across the city. (And yes, it has fuel and it doesn't have any blown fuses).

 

[Haf-E]

If this is the same engine as used in the mercedes sprinters - the trick is filling the fuel filter up. That should give enough fuel for the engine to start. I use a short length of fuel line on the input of the filter and a turkey baster to fill it. Loosen the bleed screw on the filter and fill it until the fuel comes out the bleed screw opening. Then tighten the screw and replace the fuel line. You'll need a new fuel line hose clamp- the stock ones are not reusable.

There are also o-rings on the line from the fuel pump to the filter that can let in air as this part of the line is under vacumn. Might replace the o-rings or entire line with connectors. On the sprinter this line is clear allowing visual inspection for air bubbles- should be full when running.

 

[ryanh1006]

Thanks for the info, it makes sense, I should be able to get it to work. I'll take the parts with me tomorrow. What size hose clamp? I can't access the jeeps, they're inside the customs zone still, so i need to get the parts at a bazaar tomorrow morning then go to the jeeps.

 

[Haf-E]

Mine is 5/16" or 8 mm hose ID and a hose clamp of about 1/2 inch or 13 mm diameter. You'll also need some diesel in something that the turkey baster can reach into.

I also have used a small garden sprayer pressure bottle with the nozzle removed and a piece of fuel line connected- much less messy and eliminates the need to crank a while to fill the injector rail.

Good luck!