BRANSON F4350 - HELP

[PEM]

Would appreciate some help:
I purchased this tractor, new, in 2003-no problems until now. I let the fuel run out, after refilling the tank, the darn thing won't start. Engine turns, with plenty of power, fires slightly every once in awhile, but just does not start. The user manual is useless, bad grammer, small pictures too dark to see clearly. I have heard that in diesel engines the fuel line has to be bled, or the injection nozzle/s have to be cleaned or that the glow plug/s have to be replaced. I don't know anything about diesel engines, need step-by-step instructions. Anyone know where I can get a better manual, and an engine/mechanical manual?
Thanks

 

[Stimw]

If your tractor has the electric fuel pump you should be able to turn the key on and it will purge itself.
For a manual fuel pump (fuel pump, Not injector pump) or electric you can crack (loosen the nut on the fuel line at each cylinder) each fuel line and crank until fuel comes out without bubbles. Best to do this one at a time starting with closest to the injector pump.
Make sure you didn't pick up any water in the bottom of the tank too. Water can stop up a fuel filter.

 

[PEM]

STIMW, thanks.
How do I deal with the water, if that's what happened?

 

[Stimw]

Your filter should have a drain on the bottom. Always drain into something clear so you can inspect for signs of water. I use a 2 liter soda bottle with the top cut off. The fuel and water will seperate with the water at the bottom.
If you don't have a drain at the filter then remove the filter and dump it into bottle for inspection.
You can dump a filter and put it back on to get by but you need to change it ASAP. They get clogged and don't work as well when reused.

 

[pwl]

Wow, you got a manual with your Branson. All I got was a receipt. I need to speak with my dealer.

 

[Zork]

Hey all- just a thought. I would also put a small in line fuel filter before the electric fuel pump. The tolerances of my pump were so close that a small piece of debris caused it to stop running, and left me cold (even though I was thoroughly practicing against contamination. Also on my 3520, the factory fuel filter has a "pressed in" hose connector that frequently loosened. It looked like it was sealed with nail polish.