Another "air in the fuel system" problem

[TXCYCLE]

I have a 2002 JD 5205 MFWD with 870 hours. Just bought the tractor last month used from my dealer. Used it for around ten hours & decided to drain the water separator/fuel filter. Bled 2-3 ounces of fuel-no water. Bled another 2-3 oz., buttoned the tractor up, fired it up, ran for ten seconds & died. I knew instantly I got air in the system. This model has the hand pump with bleeder valve above the filter, opened the valve, pumped the heck out of the pump, no fuel. Called the dealer. He said change the pump. Tried that, no fuel still. They made a service call. Said the fuel line was stopped up, disconnected it from behind the filter, blew air backwards towards the fuel tank, reconnected the line, installed a new filter, bled fuel at the injectors & it fired right up. The tech said I needed to install an inline fuel filter, just cut the fuel line and install the filter anywhere between the tank and final fuel filter/water separator. He said just buy a cheapo parts store one I can see thru to check for debris.
Now (finally) here's my questions. Since the tractor ran fine for the first ten hours do you think the hand pump was on the brink of going out, and combined with a little trash in the line when I bled a little fuel out air got in the system? Or if I would of just left it alone I wouldn't of had any problems? Or what did I do wrong?
Secondly, I'm a little paranoid in "cutting" the fuel line now & taking a chance on getting air in the system again. If I clamp the hose on either side of where I cut it & install the filter will that let a little air into the system? Or would you all not even mess with another filter? Thanks for the help!

 

[beenthere]

I don't think air in the line is your problem. Lack of fuel flowing through the line sounds like more of a problem.

I'd look for more debris in the fuel line/or tank. See if that dreaded slime has found its way in your tank and now in the fuel line. I'd maybe drain the tank and at least strain the fuel before putting it back in after cleaning out the tank. Watch for any debris slowing the flow down while draining.

Search the TBN for other threads on getting fuel through the lines.
The key sounds like what the service people did.

Said the fuel line was stopped up, disconnected it from behind the filter, blew air backwards towards the fuel tank, reconnected......

 

[TXCYCLE]

beenthere-Thanks for the reply, good thinking. I bought a Mr. Funnel just for that purpose. Do you think an inline filter is still a good idea? I don't want to pull the tanks & clean if I don't have too. The tractor came from an estate sale, don't know how long it had sat before I ran it. (or what's in the tanks for that matter) It only had a quarter tank of fuel when I got it, I filled it up & what I drained out of the filter came out clean. However, when we changed the filter it did have some straw & crap in the base of the filter housing.

 

[jd110]

The in-line filter install is a great idea. It will prevent dirt from getting into the hand primer causing it to fail again. If you clamp the fuel line before you cut it, you shouldn't have any problems with air. I install one of these in all the tractors I service for customers. I generally use a RE220719 Deere filter, but it's metal, not clear. A clear one would be an advantage to see dirt.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

A lot of folks have had to replace the fuel line itself from the tank to the pump. Do this and put an inline filter before the pump and solve your problems. You can clean the hand primer pump but only if the internal rubber is intact. It usually is.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

http://manuals.deere.com/omview/OMRE72817_19/?tM=

go down and look for bleeding the fuel system.

 

[TXCYCLE]

jd110 & Kyle, thanks for replies.
And Kyle, thanks for the electroninc copy of the manual. I have this question, in the manual it says to bleed at the fuel return line. When the tech came out, he bled at the nuts where the fuel comes in to the 3 injectors, which is the best way? Sorry for dumb questions, just my second tractor. Thanks,

 

[JD5210]

On bleeding first follow what is in the manual if the tractor does not start then do what the tech did which was to bleed the system by cracking the injectors.

I would follow beenthere suggestion on cleaning the tank, since all the tech did was blow the foreign material in the fuel line back into the tank. If there is a drain plug on the bottom back of your fuel filter drain a quart of fuel off and the foreign material may come out.

Here is JD parts URL if you do not have it
John Deere - Parts Catalog

Check out selectmanuals.com for a technical manual on your tractor. I would also consider adding a fuel conditioner. Here is a JD write-up on the conditioners.

Fuel-Protect Diesel Fuel Conditioner, Summer Formula
(TY26784, TY26785, TY26786)
Features and benefits
Boosts Cetane Number for faster, smoother, fuel efficient starting
Aggressive Detergents and dispersants clean and keep clean injectors helps prevent injector erosion, prevents emissions deterioration due to deposits, and cleans entire fuel system
Lubricity Improver for added protection and reduced fuel injection and pump wear when using Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel
Moisture Control improves water tolerance and helps minimize microbial growth
Maintains fuel pump warranty
Minimizes smoking
Compatible with all diesel fuels
Fuel-Protect Diesel Fuel Conditioner, Winter Formula
(TY26787, TY26788, TY26789)
Features and benefits
Boosts Cetane Number for faster, smoother, fuel efficient starting
Aggressive Detergents and dispersants clean and keep clean injectors helps prevent injector erosion, prevents emissions deterioration due to deposits, and cleans entire fuel system
Lowers Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) and Pour Point improving cold weather fuel flow
Lubricity Improver for added protection and reduced fuel injection and pump wear when using Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel
Moisture Control improves water tolerance and helps minimize microbial growth
Extends fuel filter life
Maintains fuel pump warranty
Minimizes smoking
Compatible with all diesel fuels

 

[Glen Watkins]

"I would also consider adding a fuel conditioner."
Good advice there!
Performance Formula - Stanadyne

 

[jonyyuma]

I use the original equipment fuel filter, fill it to the very top and then cut the fuel line and put in a clear model designed for a Mercedes to protect it. I do use diesel fuel treatments. I had no trouble by using the bleeder screw on the pump, but mine is not a Deere.