TC30 cranks but won't start after running out of fuel

[davesill]

My steering cylinder was leaking around the piston so I replaced the seals. Hooked it back up and fired up the tractor to check for leaks and function. Before I could get too far, the engine sputtered and stopped. I wasn't able to restart it.

My first thought was that the fuel filter could be clogged. I had one, so I swapped it in. Noticed the bulb didn't refill when I opened the valve. Don't remember if I tried to start it again at this point, but I don't think I would have.

Occurred to me that maybe it's out of fuel. Probably should have tried that first. Bingo. Bulb filled up as soon as I started filling the tank.

Still won't start. Cranks fine.

A mechanically-inclined friend suggested verifying that the fuel shutoff solenoid is working. It clicks when I turn the key off Stop.

Then he said to try loosening the fuel lines and cranking for 10 seconds--looking for fuel to leak from the connector--then wait a few minutes and try again. I tried that but never saw any fuel leaking. I do see fuel in the lines when I unscrew them completely.

I'm wondering if the fuel pump needs bleeding/priming and how to do that. Any other advice would be appreciated.

 

[RjCorazza]

Any time the fuel system is opened, or run out of fuel the system must be bled. Check your operator manual for the procedure, but here are some methods that vary by type:
For engines with an electric fuel pump, turn the key to the run position (engine not running) and open fuel bleeder(s) until straight fuel comes out. Some engines may self bleed without opening a bleeder or cracking the injector lines.
Some engines have a mechanical lift pump driven off the engine. It may have a manual pump lever to bleed the system, if not, the engine will need to be cranking with the bleeder(s) open.
It can also take a fair amount of time to fill a replaced filter.

When you get it running, let it idle for a short time before throttling up, or working the tractor.

 

[davesill]

I found a YouTube video showing how to bleed the pump:

And it worked perfectly.

Thanks!

 

[JC-jetro]

You need to bleed air out of injector as well. You can do that by partially loosening the retaining nut on the injector. Crank the engine to push some air and diesel from the injector line to the injector and then tighten. Liquid is not compressible but air is. That air pulsates and interrupts delivery of diesel against a very stiff injector nozzle spring.