Ran diesel Tc18 with the fuel shutoff off

brenth561 · Mar 4, 2016

Newbie diesel owner here. Ran my NH last night for a minute tor two with fuel shutoff valve in the off position. It sputtered to a stop. I started by disconnecting the fuel line to the shutoff valve letting it flow then reinstall. Next I did this for each line going to the bleeder screw. Then I removed the filter bowl let fill with fuel. Finally I consulted my manual to find that I need to start by bleeding the bleed screw. After this it started and ran as normal and I drove it into the garage. The manual also says I need to bleed the injector lines. I didn't have time last night so I did not do this part. Is it completely necessary or should I be good to go if I just bled at the screw?

DT86 · Mar 4, 2016

If it is running smooth then you are good. No need to do anything else.

JC-jetro · Mar 4, 2016

have tools with you and do some chores with your tractor not too far away from the base. if you get the tractor hot and moving a bit of trapped air should be bled thru the injector noticing a bit of sputter at some point. just be alert, no need to do further work.

JC,

brenth561 · Mar 5, 2016

JC-jetro said:
have tools with you and do some chores with your tractor not too far away from the base. if you get the tractor hot and moving a bit of trapped air should be bled thru the injector noticing a bit of sputter at some point. just be alert, no need to do further work.

JC,

Thanks for the replies guys! this forum is fantastic! I was so worried I wrecked my little tractor. After getting it back into the garage I grabbed a beer, sat down in the seat and read the manual.

newbury · Mar 5, 2016

No, no, no,
It's ruined and I'll come pick it up !!

I've a 7.3 IDI van, must have taken me two hours of cranking in 1 minute spurts to get all the air out of the lines. Runs fine now.

Jerry/MT · Mar 5, 2016

brenth561 said:
Newbie diesel owner here. Ran my NH last night for a minute tor two with fuel shutoff valve in the off position. It sputtered to a stop. I started by disconnecting the fuel line to the shutoff valve letting it flow then reinstall. Next I did this for each line going to the bleeder screw. Then I removed the filter bowl let fill with fuel. Finally I consulted my manual to find that I need to start by bleeding the bleed screw. After this it started and ran as normal and I drove it into the garage. The manual also says I need to bleed the injector lines. I didn't have time last night so I did not do this part. Is it completely necessary or should I be good to go if I just bled at the screw?

If it needed bleeding it wouldn't start and you said you were able to run it so there's no need to doing anything else. I leave the tank valves open on our diesels because otherwise I'd do what you did. I only use those shutoffs when I have to change a filter that sits bellow the fuel tank.

brenth561 · Mar 5, 2016

Jerry/MT said:
If it needed bleeding it wouldn't start and you said you were able to run it so there's no need to doing anything else. I leave the tank valves open on our diesels because otherwise I'd do what you did. I only use those shutoffs when I have to change a filter that sits bellow the fuel tank.

Started up great this morning and used it along with the pallet forks on my FEL to take the 400lb box blade out of my dads truck. It barely did the job since I had no weight in the back. Quickly learning how to use this thing properly.

Should the valve ever be turned to the off position? Like if I am not planning on using the tractor for a week or so would there be any benefit to shut it off?

JC-jetro · Mar 6, 2016

never turn the valve off with the exception of maintenance related stuff. Your injector have a very stiff spring and basically act as you final valve of sort, gravity can never push fuel passed the injector unless you have a broken injector spring (very very rare if ever). Your fuel shut off solenoid s normally in off position and upon engine run it opens up, so again,leave the valve open unless changing fuel filter and stuff.

JC,

Jerry/MT · Mar 6, 2016

brenth561 said:
Started up great this morning and used it along with the pallet forks on my FEL to take the 400lb box blade out of my dads truck. It barely did the job since I had no weight in the back. Quickly learning how to use this thing properly.

Should the valve ever be turned to the off position? Like if I am not planning on using the tractor for a week or so would there be any benefit to shut it off?

The shut off on the injector pump ( some are manual and some are solenoid operated) is adequate to keep fuel from running into the engine. As I said, I only use mine when I'm changing the fuel filter. Our TD95D doesn't even have one (it uses a fuel shut off solenoid on the injector pump) since the tank is below the pump and a lift pump is used to deliver fuel to the injector pump, there is not valve at the tank outlet.