Ive done the obvious stuff. New filter, new water seperator, checked tube in fuel tank for blockage, there was none. It idles great, but ramp up the rpms a bit and the power starts to drop off then eventually the engine shuts off. From what I can see, I have good lines. No leaks or cracks, the inside of the rubber fuel lines even look intact as in not broken down and plugging stuff up. Is there a filter at (or in) the injection pump I should check? I can prime the mechanical lift pump and have fuel from the return line going back into the tank. I would assume thats the typical situation. So... what have i missed? I have to think its fuel. The best advice I have had so far on diesel engines in general, is what I wrote in the title. Its always the fuel. Until its not?
Did you check the operation of your fuel lift pump? Sounds like that may be the next logical place to look.
I can pump the handle and get fuel to return to the tank thru the injector pump. My thought was lift pump as well, is there a simple test for that? I have no fuel mixed with the engine oil, so i think the diaphragm is intact.
Ok how about the shut down solenoid. Maybe tie in a light bulb to see if it is losing power when your engine dies.
Right. Damn fine idea. There isnt much else it can be. Maybe hook up a pressure guage after the lift pump to check pressure if solenoid checks out...
Sounds good.
Tank able to breath ?
Return restriction missing or check valve stuck open? Has to build and retain some pressure.
Solid points. Its so easy, for me anyway, to completely forget the basics and over analyze the problem. Thats the direction I was headed, and yall stopped me just in time. Thanks all!
o
Havent seen either of those in the fuel lines. Is that my fix?
Return valve should be on pump housing, should be some form of restriction or relief style one way check or orifice. Been too long since in one of these.
What inj pump is on it.?? Bosch VE.?? The lift pump is very important. Working the hand primer doesn’t tell u the operation of the pump.
I have encountered fuel lines that looked perfect that were collapsing internally. I could blow air through them and everything. I never trust the fuel lines on an older machine. Some of the Cats have a fuel water separator housing that has a black cap with an o ring, when that o ring fails it draws air but doesn't leak externally, at least the one I encountered didn't.
I didnt realize there was more than one injection pump used, and I have no idea of that brand. As lame as this sounds, its whatever a case 580 Super L (not the series 2) had on it. To test the lift pump, would it be wise to add a guage after the lift and before the water separator?
I will check on that tonite.