Ran 3320 out of fuel. Won't run.

[mowin]

2013 3320 will only run a second after running out of fuel. Electric pump is working, and fuel separator is full. Is there a secret to priming the system?

 

[paulsharvey]

You will need a 2nd person. One to try to start, as you loosen each fuel line at the injectors, to purge the air. As soon as it's peeing diesel, tighten that one, and move to the next. Even if you have a manual primer pump, this is often needed.

 

[mowin]

Oh, that sounds like a PITA. Thanks for the info.

 

[oldnslo]

Oh, that sounds like a PITA. Thanks for the info.

It is but that is about the only way to get the high pressure fuel lines to the injectors bled.

Crack the lines at the injectors and turn it over with the starter for 10 - 15 seconds. Wait a couple minutes for starter to cool and repeat. Tighten the lines and try starting it should be bled.

Edit:
I should have stated have throttle approximately 3/4 open during bleeding procedure since that increases the fuel flow helping purge the air.

Starting a little above idle will help purge air also.

 

[Harry in Ky]

You will need a 2nd person. One to try to start, as you loosen each fuel line at the injectors, to purge the air. As soon as it's peeing diesel, tighten that one, and move to the next. Even if you have a manual primer pump, this is often needed.

Why would he need a second person? I can't imagine the number of diesel engines I've bled out and gotten started without a second person. I see no need to add misinformation to the mix.

 

[mowin]

Why would he need a second person? I can't imagine the number of diesel engines I've bled out and gotten started without a second person. I see no need to add misinformation to the mix.

I get what he's saying.. less time between sequence.

 

[Harry in Ky]

You may get it, but I don't. If you're not capable of turning the key without help, why do you need it running to begin with?

 

[mowin]

You may get it, but I don't. If you're not capable of turning the key without help, why do you need it running to begin with?

Your right. I'll just scrap it. Thanks for all your help.

 

[paulsharvey]

Having a 2nd person makes it Faster and easier. You crack open #1, till it pees, while cranking, tighten and move to #2, instead 3 or 4 separate operations. Yes, it can be done with a single person, but its a heck of a lot better to just get someone to turn the key.

 

[sandman2234]

Despite the bickering, I think "mowin" may have learned a valuable lesson, about why most diesel engine owners pay particular attention to the level of fuel. It really stinks to have to prime one, if you do it by yourself or use a helper to turn the key.
Fuel is a lot cheaper than the time it will take to you to prime it after running out!
David from jax

 

[beenthere]

Your John Deere is self priming. Just keep trying to start it as it may run/stop/run/stop several times before it stays running. It's a Yanmar engine
At least that is what I've done twice now that it ran out of fuel. My issue (at least my excuse) is the fuel gauge shows almost 1/4 tank when in fact it is on empty.
Should say that in your manual.

 

[Tx Jim]

If one elects to loosen injector line at injector be sure to keep fingers clear from spraying diesel fuel. Diesel injected under skin will require serious medical attention. I agree with beenthere that one should check manual for correct instructions. Photo from operators manual below states model 3320 is self bleeding

 

[paulsharvey]

Everything is self bleeding if you crank for Long enough...

Anyway, watch a video or two before doing the bleeding process, it's not hard, or that messy, and not dangerous, but you only loosen the line until you get air then diesel coming out, that's part of why a 2nd guy/gal is useful; you don't want to completely remove the line/nut. And it's all better understood visually than with text.

Once you are running again, it might stutter and bog for a minute or two; but if it runs funny for longer than that, you likely need to replace filter, or drain a sediment or water separate bowl.

 

[paulsharvey]

If the machine Truly ran completely out, vs it still had some fuel in the filters and all, but cut off once, or started to die and OP shut it down, cranking until it fills filters, purges lines of air, and all that, that's could be a Lot of cranking, like 2 or 3 minutes if cranking; which is hard on a battery, and starter.

 

[beenthere]

paulsharvey
It's a Deere, not a Kioti.

 

[ruffdog]

Bleeding at the injectors would be the last step and only if needed. First bleed to the fuel shut-off, then work your way to the injection pump. Up to this point, you can use gravity, the lift pump (key on), or a manual lever pump to bleed. Then, with fuel bled to the injection pump, IF it doesn't start, you may have to bleed the injectors.

 

[5030]

So long as the starter survives....

 

[paulsharvey]

The process is the same in a 4.5L 3 cylinder deere or a 1.8L Kioti, or a 14L V12. Some have a manual hand pump to push fuel to prime, and then there is less air to purge; others dont (or frequently, the hand pump doesn't work...). It's generally not awful, unless you have a lot of trash in the system, or ran till stall, and restarted multiple times. Often the worst part is doing all this with a weak battery to make it all more fun.

Generally, the filters and pump aren't sucked completely dry, and with a 2nd hand, it's just an annoyance, and a lesson learned. When it starts starving for fuel, shut her down and refuel.

 

[sandman2234]

Often the worst part is doing all this with a weak battery to make it all more fun.

Generally, the filters and pump aren't sucked completely dry, and with a 2nd hand, it's just an annoyance, and a lesson learned. When it starts starving for fuel, shut her down and refuel.

I know it is splitting hairs, but if you shut down just before it starts starving for fuel it would make it even easier, lol. Or better yet... Check your fuel when you check the oil before you start it each morning? While I don't fuel it ever day, I do check to make sure I have sufficient fuel to run thru the day or I start planning on when I will stop work to go fuel the tractor up.
Getting in the habit of watching the fuel level will make life a lot easier when you own a diesel engine!
I can only imagine the damage, as slight as it is each time a pump is sucked dry of fuel, since most of them are lubricated by the fuel that they pump.
David from jax

 

[scootr]

I ran a buddy's Ford 555 backhoe out of fuel in my youth. We struggled to bleed that son of *****. I've been keeping one eye on the fuel gauge ever since...
Lesson learned