AutoInform www.autoinform.co.uk is a FREE bi-monthly online magazine. In this latest How To Workshop, Frank Massey demonstrates Diesel systems priming on common rail diesel fuel injection systems.
Grab yourself a common air pressure tyre pump, connect it to a 'negative' vacuum supply and draw the fuel through the schrader valve which is right next to the fuel pump. This will draw the fuel supply from the tank through all the filters etc and remove 99% of the air in the system. Pretty much will start first crank.
On PSA HDi vehicles the lift pump produces a tremendous flow at 3.5 bar so bleeding isn't needed. The old PSA XUD engines are actually much better than than the new HDi ones as IMHO the number one attribute of a motor vehicle is its RELIABILITY. With those pesky HDi pumps it can be advantageous to dose them with two-stroke oil but on no account use the oil that is dyed red in case of misunderstandings.
Thanks for this video Frank. Would it not be easier to simply attach your pump to the fuel return pipe and therefore this would ensure that there is a good, airless supply all the way from the tank up to and including the high pressure pump itself?
I've had nightmares in the past starting my Focus after a fuel filter change. Your setup is perfect for the regular use you must give it, but what's the poor home mechanic to do? My solution is as follows: Add as much fuel as possible to the filter housing before reassembling it to the upper housing. Use a syringe to inject fuel into the filter housing through the inlet and outlet. Also use a syringe to fill the pipe leading to the high pressure pump then connect it to the filter outlet. Wrap a rag around an airline (to make a seal) and get someone to gently blow compressed air into the fuel tank filler, thus slightly pressurising the tank and causing some fuel to flow up the pipe that supplies the filter. When it's flowing, connect it to the filter inlet pipe. I always get mine to start this way. I'd be interested to hear what others do, because NO WAY will the system self-prime. Great video though.
happydavid13 If I had had that much hassle I'd fit a mini-digger 12 volt fuel pump as a priming pump. These are available online at a reasonable price (well under £20 post paid) I bought one for a very troublesome Renault Espace 2.2dt which was sucking air in its diesel but in the end I replaced the fuel line with one piece eliminating as many quick release couplings as possible. I would surmise that the new City Diesel which allegedly contains some Bio Diesel has been making the O rings in the quick release couplings shrink. There is still some air getting in but this is probably due to shrunken O rings in the "telescope" of the tank unit. If a car won't start because of air in the fuel, towing it with a 4x4 usually works! LOL In the case of the Espace there was no lift pump so the injection pump had to suck the fuel all the way from the tank. Accountants shouldn't be allowed to design cars!
