Is Bleeding fuel line necessary after replacing a tank?

Submitted: Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 15:03

ThreadID: 100305 Views:1796 Replies:4 FollowUps:3

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tonysmc

Hi,

If I disconnect my fuel line (diesel) where it comes out of the tank, will I need to bleed the fuel system once I connect it up again? I am not touching the filter at this stage, just dropping the tank out and connecting it back up again. I was worried that as there would still be fuel in the hose and filter, the car would run for quite some time before/if it conks out. I don’t want to be 10 K’s down the road and find out I should have bled the system.
And as there is fuel in the filter I assume that bleeding will get a lot of fuel everywhere before I encounter any air which would be further down the line.

Cheers Tony

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Reply By: Olsen's 4WD Tours and Training - Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 15:13

Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 15:13

You don;t mention what type of car it is. I am assuming it is not common rail. It is extremely unlikely you will need to bleed it. The system should cope with the scenario you have described, You may need to prime it by pumping the primer if it stops on you, but you should not need to bleed it.

AnswerID: 503786

Reply By: Ross M - Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 16:56

Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 16:56

It all depends on the vehicle type and fuel type. It is best if you bleed a diesel and you don't want air in the system in some.

If CRD the hp pump runs effectively dry for a short time and that isn't recommended.

Most bleed procedures are very easy to do.

AnswerID: 503796

Follow Up By: Olsen's 4WD Tours and Training - Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 17:28

Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 17:28

Yes if it is CRD (common rail) then definitely take the extra care.

FollowupID: 780544

Reply By: Rockape - Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 17:29

Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 17:29

Tony,
a few months back I dropped the back tank out of the troopie and when i put it back in in never bled it. All ok.

Today I dropped the fuel line off the new 3.2 common rail ranger to install a waterwatch. After finishing I just turned the ignition on and let the Lp pump bleed the system. About 10 seconds if that.

As previously stated. Would be good if people knew what your vehicle is.

RA.

AnswerID: 503798

Follow Up By: olcoolone - Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 21:53

Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 21:53

Most vehicles will have enough fuel in the filter and lines to run for a while until the fuel in the line from the tank catches up.

Years ago it was common practice to pre fill the fuel filters...... on common rail they don't advise to.

FollowupID: 780567

Follow Up By: Rockape - Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 22:56

Friday, Feb 01, 2013 at 22:56

I can remember a few engines many years ago, that when you ran out of diesel you not only had to prime them manually, you had to crack every filter, then crack the pump and finally crack the injectors.

Thank god times have changed.

FollowupID: 780578