Cold Weather Issues - 1HD-T

[Douglas S]

Hello,

On my way to work today my truck died and wouldn't restart, I had to have it towed home.

Right before it stalled it had almost no power off the line and wouldn't idle properly. Once it had died, it didn't show any signs of life while cranking.

My first though was the diesel, I am not currently running any anti-gel because I figured winter diesel would be good enough to prevent gelling.


In another thread it was suggested that the fuel filter could be the cause, is there any way to test this? What else should I be looking at?



Thanks for any help,
Doug

 

[Douglas S]

I should also mention that the outside temperature is -32C without windchill.

 

[finderscuba]

Run a fuel line directly from the IP to a container of diesel. If it starts then you have either air in the fuel system, water frozen in your fuel filter, or your lift pump is too weak. Could also be gelled fuel. You could try using clear fuel line to see if there is air getting in.

The fuel filter cap/primer is a common air leak problem area. It may not leak diesel but it will allow air in. You could vacuum/pressure test the primer assembly. All fuel hoses and clamps should be replaced as well. You may also consider adding an electric fuel pump (Walbro). This will help a weak lift pump, and it will prevent having to prime the fuel filter after changing it.

I've done pretty much all of the above in -25° and colder temps outside in my driveway.

And use antigel with every fill. It's cheap insurance.

 

[canucksafari]

I was the guy who suggested the filter. It is a no brainer if you haven't changed it recently. As I said in the other thread, the filter media is designed to wick moisture that is not caught in the water trap. Eventually, that will plug it.

Here is what I suggest. First try priming at the filter and check for air. If it is sucking air, than the first push of the plunger while you gradually open the bleeder screw will spit with air and diesel. If you get nothing out the bleeder screw while pumping, then you have a blockage.

Remove the filter and fill a new filter 1/2 with PowerService winter formula and the rest of the way with diesel. Put the rest of the Power Service into your tank and add 10-20L of fresh diesel to mix it in. Make sure you lube the seals with diesel first. Now try the primer again.

If you get diesel squirting out out the bleed screw, close the screw on the downward stroke of the primer, so as not to allow air back in. Now try starting it up.

Now if you just get air while using the primer, you have a leak in a fuel line or fuel hose or connection. Applying low pressure to the tank can help you find where it is sucking air in.

If you get no air or fuel while pushing on the primer, you could have a blockage between the fuel tank and the filter. It could be moisture or it could be algae. Get your truck into a garage to thaw out and warm up. Then try starting it again. If it runs, then consider that you have moisture in the bottom of the tank. Your best bet is to drain the tank and clean it out good. Also inspect the pick-up screen in the tank and your fuel filter for algae. If you find it in the tank or in your old fuel filter, you will need to do one or more biocide treatments that you can get from your local diesel injection shop.

 

[Douglas S]

Is it possible that a problem with the return line could cause an issue like this?

I recently replaced a tee in the return line that was feeding my Webasto and it's possible that it isn't sealed properly.

 

[canucksafari]

Does the return go to the tank or the IP? If it goes to the IP, then yes.

 

[Douglas S]

It goes from the IP to the tank.

 

[canucksafari]

Is it possible that a problem with the return line could cause an issue like this?

I recently replaced a tee in the return line that was feeding my Webasto and it's possible that it isn't sealed properly.

It goes from the IP to the tank.

Are you sure you T'ed into the return line? I don't see how the Webasto would draw fuel from the return line if the IP's lift pump was not running. It should be installed according to the Webasto instructions. See 4.7 here: http://www.techwebasto.com/heater_main/907512.pdf

 

[Douglas S]

I'm sure, and the Webasto functions properly.

 

[finderscuba]

Here is what I suggest. First try priming at the filter and check for air. If it is sucking air, than the first push of the plunger while you gradually open the bleeder screw will spit with air and diesel. If you get nothing out the bleeder screw while pumping, then you have a blockage.

If you get diesel squirting out out the bleed screw, close the screw on the downward stroke of the primer, so as not to allow air back in. Now try starting it up.

I'm pretty sure the stock 1HDT primer does not have a bleed screw.

 

[finderscuba]

When I was having winter troubles with mine a couple years ago, I could not push down the primer when it was cold. So I could not bring fuel to the IP if air had gotten in there. Only way was to heat up the filter assembly with a small heater until I could work the primer. After installing the electric fuel pump, I no longer ever have to push that primer.

 

[Douglas S]

I can't push the primer either.

I just went out and tried to start it. It started up, ran like crap, and then shut down. It's far too cold to play with right now so any diagnostics will have to wait until the weekend.

 

[bcguy]

I had this problem a few years ago. I ran my tank too low and the condensation buildup got into the fuel and froze my lines.
As soon as it thawed, filled up and kept my tank above 3/4 for early morning cold starts and haven't had a problem since.
The primer pump didn't work for me as the fuel was so thick and mixed with water.
Try to get it towed and parked inside a heated garage for a day and it should let go.

 

[simonliew]

please let us know what you find as l have 2 hdj81 and a prado and so far l haven't have any problems yet.
l was in BC sking (golden and panorama) in december and ran wvo there and back on my hdj81.
Simon

 

[Douglas S]

I had this problem a few years ago. I ran my tank too low and the condensation buildup got into the fuel and froze my lines.
As soon as it thawed, filled up and kept my tank above 3/4 for early morning cold starts and haven't had a problem since.
The primer pump didn't work for me as the fuel was so thick and mixed with water.
Try to get it towed and parked inside a heated garage for a day and it should let go.

That makes some sense to me. I have a little less than 1/4 of a tank in there right now.

 

[CruiserGord]

I had a similar situation once after changing the fuel filter and what I discovered was that the 'O' ring was worn out on the bleeder at the bottom of the filter assembly. Once I installed a new one I've had no more issues and that was 3 years ago. Hope this little bit of info might help you find your problem.

Cheers
Gord

 

[DBWood]

Hey Gang,

My thread is the most recent before Douglas S's for the cold start issue.

Mine is pretty well documented, and everyone who has posted here, has also posted on mine.

I had issues tonight (-20 ish) started and ran, then, as soon as I pulled up a slope, starting running badly. Would only run sitting flat, or nose down.
So I was under the hood using the primer to keep it going. Trying to get it warmed up to hopefully get it running better, when I noticed a little fuel leaking out around that sensor on top by the primer. What is this? Obviously there is a seal under that little metal cap with the 2 phillips screws that has failed. Can I replace that seal?

Douglas S, maybe you should look at this sensor as well as the O-ring on the bottom drain.

Sounds like we are having a very similar issue at this point. Except, I am on a full tank from a good source with a good dose of Stanadyne in it.

Cheers

Doug

 

[Douglas S]

I'm pretty sure that's a little electric diesel heater. Does your truck have the roll-down winter front? If so, you probably have the "snow package" like I do.

I picked up a replacement fuel filter and o-rings today so I'll try to swap that out tomorrow.

 

[DBWood]

Ahhh! Yes, I definitely have a fuel heater. Just never knew where it was until now. Thanks.
Do you know if I can pull it off and replace the seal? I think it is my issue right now.

 

[Douglas S]

Well, I changed out the fuel filter.

The truck starts up now (after abnormal amounts of cranking) and seems to idle OK. If I rev it and then let off the fuel it tries to die and it seems like there's lag from when I turn off the key and when the truck actually shuts down that didn't occur previously.

Tomorrow I'm going to fill up both my scepter cans with diesel and empty them into the tank with some more anti-gel and see what happens. If that doesn't help I'll start looking at all the hoses in the fuel system.