PRIME PRE-FILTER MF 1840

[acksteveni]

I have just changed the primary and secondary fuel filters on my MF 1840. I've turn on the fuel pump but not turned on the ignition yet. The pre-filter (clear plastic bowl) only partially fills. How do I get this fuel to fill? Thanks for any help.
Ack

 

[RjCorazza]

Not familiar with your machine, but on my diesels I crack the fuel line bleeder to clear air and prime the fuel system.
Bleeders are typically found on the sediment filter, secondary filter, or at the injector pump inlets.
My primary sediment filter has a bleeder screw and priming pump that quickly fills the bowl.

 

[acksteveni]

Thanks, I've cracked the bleeder on the secondary and the injectors. Still doesn't want to fill.

 

[RjCorazza]

Uhmm. Maybe loosen up the sediment bowl retaining ring, then run the electric lift pump.
That's all I got, good luck!

 

[acksteveni]

Uhmm. Maybe loosen up the sediment bowl retaining ring, then run the electric lift pump.
That's all I got, good luck!

I'll give it a try. thanks

 

[thclimer]

My Massey 1736 has a primer plunger on top that you use to purge the air out of its filter housing and the main filter housing by cracking their vents.

 

[acksteveni]

Well that's a nice feature. Unfortunately, no plunger on mine. Maybe need to switch that for one like yours.

 

[thclimer]

Well that's discouraging. Does your manual give you any advise on priming?

 

[acksteveni]

Yes it is discouraging and frustrating. The owner's manual lacks information on how to perform this basic procedure. I even paid to download a service manual but again nothing helpful. Wondering if there is a good service manual for this MF 1800 series compact tractor.

 

[acksteveni]

So I figured it out (with some advice). With the 2 filters on my 1840, the key is to bleed the air from the top of the the "main filter" (steel canister), labeled #2 in the owner's manual. Once I opened that 19mm bolt, the clear bowl "pre-filter" filled right up. Thanks to everyone for their assistance. I was getting tired of swimming in diesel for the last couple of days trying to figure it out.

 

[thclimer]

It sounds like the 19mm bolt you opened is similar to what I was referring to as the vents on the top of my housings. In my case I have to use the plunger to push diesel into the housings to bleed the air out. However, in your case once you opened your "vent" gravity was able to purge the air from your filters.

Glad you were able to figure it out and thanks for posting your solution so that others will know.

 

[acksteveni]

You were correct in pointing me in that direction. To be clear, on my tractor, I need to turn on the key so the fuel pump is on but not turn on the starter motor or ignition. The electric fuel pump is located between the 2 filters and pulls and pushes the fuel through both filters.

 

[Bavarian]

If it has an electric fuel pump, usually there is no bleeding like old school necessary. Just turn the key on and let it sit for two minutes.
That's why your manual doesn't state anything specific.
The same with JD. That's the nature of common rail fuel systems.

 

[acksteveni]

thank you!