How to Purge Air From a Fuel Filter on a Diesel
- 1). Park the vehicle in a safe and well-ventilated work area. Engage the parking brake and turn the engine off.
- 2). Open the hood and locate the diesel fuel filter canister. Most diesel engines have the fuel filter canister mounted to the rear driver-side of the engine.
- 3). Unscrew the cap from the fuel filter canister with the ratchet and a socket. Then, pull the cap off with the fuel filter attached to the bottom of the cap. Place the cap on a clean rag.
- 4). Pour the fresh diesel into the fuel filter canister until the canister is completely full of diesel. Then, slide the cap with the fuel filter back into the canister. Screw the cap on tight. Then, tighten down the cap with the ratchet and socket.
- 5). Turn the ignition key to the accessory position for 30 seconds. Then, turn the key off again. Turn the key to the accessory position again for 30 seconds. This process will finish priming the fuel filter and the fuel lines with diesel and remove any air from the fuel system. Crank the engine and let it run for about one minute to completely cycle the diesel throughout the engine.
- 6). Turn the engine off and try cranking the engine again. Make sure to turn the key to the accessory position for at least 15 seconds before each crank. Then, turn the engine off and close the hood.
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