She won't start

[Lax]

I have a M35a2 that has been in the barn for a while. It started last winter but when I tried to start it today she would not start. The batteries are charged and she turns over fine. When I fist hit the starter it pops over then dies and keeps cranking and cranking. I hit it with some ether and it fires until the ether is used then just goes back to cranking. There is a petcock on top of the fuel filters I opened to see if it was getting fuel and when cranking the fuel comes out of the petcock. What am I missing? Thanks.

 

[kendelrio]

Just because the fuel is coming from the petcock doesn't mean you're getting fuel to the engine. That just means your pump is working.

When was the last time you changed your fuel filter?

Easiest thing at this point is change your fuel filters and see if that makes a difference. Odds are you may have had some junk make its way from the fuel tank to the filters and they're clogged.

 

[kendelrio]

Oh, and if the last post came across an ---holey, I didn't mean it to.... good luck and please let us know what you find.

 

[M37M35]

There is a petcock on top of the fuel filters I opened to see if it was getting fuel and when cranking the fuel comes out of the petcock.

Only when cranking?? Is your in-tank pump running when you turn the main switch on?
The in-tank pump should run whenever the switch is on and you should have good flow from the bleeders.

 

[Lax]

[B]kendelrio[/B], Not at all. Thank you and no problem at all.
So just because I am getting fuel to the petcock means I am getting fuel to the filters but not necessarily PAST the filters? Do I understand that correctly? Thank you.

 

[Lax]

M37M35, It has been years since I have done this before. Should I open the bleeders when I turn the power on and before I crank to see if I am pumping fuel? I would think I can hear the tank pump when I power up by standing next to the tank. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[M37M35]

Should I open the bleeders when I turn the power on and before I crank to see if I am pumping fuel?

I would think I can hear the tank pump when I power up by standing next to the tank

Yes to both.

Try that and report back.

 

[Lax]

Roger that. Will report this weekend. Thank you.

 

[cattlerepairman]

Also, after prolonged sitting with the fuel shutoff pulled, the shutoff in the injection pump can stick.
Verified by opening the square cover on the IP. Shutoff lever should point to 7 o clock position when released. If not, spray the heck out of it with wd40, move back and forth until free and willingly staying open.
Replace cover, activate accessory switch, count to ten, cross fingers, hit start button.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

 

[Mullaney]

I have a M35a2 that has been in the barn for a while. It started last winter but when I tried to start it today she would not start. The batteries are charged and she turns over fine. When I fist hit the starter it pops over then dies and keeps cranking and cranking. I hit it with some ether and it fires until the ether is used then just goes back to cranking. There is a petcock on top of the fuel filters I opened to see if it was getting fuel and when cranking the fuel comes out of the petcock. What am I missing? Thanks.

.
Might be worth looking down into the fuel tank with a bright flashlight. You could have stuff growing in your tank too. The guys in the posts above definitely offered up a good starting point! Pictures are a BIG plus!

 

[kendelrio]

[B]kendelrio[/B], Not at all. Thank you and no problem at all.
So just because I am getting fuel to the petcock means I am getting fuel to the filters but not necessarily PAST the filters? Do I understand that correctly? Thank you.

Correct. The fuel comes in, passes through the filter to the pickup INSIDE the filter. Opening the petcock shows pressure on the OUTSIDE of the filter.

 

[kendelrio]

This is basically how it works...

 

[Lax]

Looks like I have some homework this weekend. Will report back when able. Thank you everyone.

 

[Lax]

It has been so long since I have done this. Once I replace the filters do I have to prime the system with the little "flippers"? lol. Its been a while. I do remember the flippers being there but not exactly sure where they are (top or bottom). Thank you.

 

[frank8003]

I have a M35a2 that has been in the barn for a while. It started last winter but when I tried to start it today she would not start. The batteries are charged and she turns over fine. When I fist hit the starter it pops over then dies and keeps cranking and cranking. I hit it with some ether and it fires until the ether is used then just goes back to cranking. There is a petcock on top of the fuel filters I opened to see if it was getting fuel and when cranking the fuel comes out of the petcock. What am I missing? Thanks.

If you don't like the engine and want to do major repairs, engine replacement, then just use either on Her.
no either!

Starting Fluid in Diesel Engines | Risks & Consequences

An in-depth explanation as to why starting fluids, including ether, should not be used to start a diesel engine. Although there is one exception, the fundamental operation of a diesel engine makes starting fluids dangerous to use and the consequences include severe, even catastrophic engine...

www.dieselhub.com

 

[Floridianson]

It has been so long since I have done this. Once I replace the filters do I have to prime the system with the little "flippers"? lol. Its been a while. I do remember the flippers being there but not exactly sure where they are (top or bottom). Thank you.

Bottom petcocks are for water draining. The system air bleed screw is the one between the secondary and final fuel filter up on the block by firewall. Yes we do it after filter change.

 

[M37M35]

It has been so long since I have done this. Once I replace the filters do I have to prime the system with the little "flippers"? lol. Its been a while. I do remember the flippers being there but not exactly sure where they are (top or bottom). Thank you.

Not sure what you mean by 'flippers' (pictures?). But to prime it just turn the switch on and let the pump run for a few minutes (assuming it's working), and open the petcock on top of the filters and make sure fuel comes out.

 

[Lax]

Update.

First the "flipper" I was referring to is actually on my John Deere tractor... Not on my deuce. Sorry.

Today I changed the primary and secondary filters and cleaned the canisters. They were pretty bad! A little embarrassed.

I cranked and cranked. Nothing. Then I opened the petcock between secondaries and flowed fuel and air until what looked like a solid stream of good fuel flowed out. About 10 seconds worth. crank, crank, crank. Not even a fart. So now what??? Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[kendelrio]

Deleted

 

[frank8003]

In post #9 in here it did in fact describe a common problem.........
Let us know what you did about that.
These girls Do Not Like sittin around for a long time......... GI