Why now this? Running strange?

[HossCobbler]

ok, hi all, have a problem with my caddy, just put in a good running turbodiesel from my rabbit and been driving it around for about 60 miles or so in the last few weeks, there was a small leak in the injection pump for a while and than it stopped leaking;  now the truck will start and idle, go about 4 or 5 miles than shutdown, like it was getting no fuel ,but it will idle after restarting it.?  If I wait 5 minites or so and start it up it will go another few miles before it starts to repeat the process..... new filter and blew out the lines . put it in the garage and the same thing the next day... Help? thanks

[Smokey Eddy]

make sure the feed line to the pump is not drawing air when you rev it.
So with the hood up and it idling, pull on the throttle a bit and look to see if air is getting in anywhere. Where the line joins the pump or where it joins the filter. A clear line here is very useful.

Another issue may be while you're driving the pressure inside the injectors is causing a leak on the return nipples of the injectors.
So, either try replacing these lines or if there is enough line cut about a cm off each end. Also do this to the return line that returns to the fuel filter.


You've got a leak somewhere either drawing air or losing diesel in the return system somewhere.

[rabbitman]

I had that same exact problem a few years ago, I had a fairly new fuel filter too.

It started on a long road trip of three full days driving, at first it only did it once or twice a day but by the second day it was doing it every 1-2 miles. Very annoying, especially if you want to get anywhere .

Every time I would loosen the bleed screw on the filter housing, blow into the return line to compress the tank and that would fill the filter. Then I'd start it up, drive a little while and repeat the process. I don't think blowing into the tank helped, just sitting would've done the same.

In my frustration I took the timing advance cover off, cranked it a bit, put it back on and finished the trip with no more problems.

I haven't got a clue what the real problem was, it's never done it since so I haven't gotten to diagnose it more.....which is fine with me .....
I am rather curious about it though, I wonder if it's an issue inside the IP and has nothing to do with lines and filter.

Changing the filter and making *VERY* sure there's no air leaks is the best way to start, after that I'd start lookin' at the pump.

[burn_your_money]

Try driving around without the fuel cap on the tank on. It might not be vented or the venting could have crapped out.

Do you have a vacuum gauge you could T into the feed side of the pump?

What is the history on the truck? Was it running before the swap? If not the new filter could be clogged already.

[8v-of-fury]

Maybe a loose fuel solenoid wire? just throwing it out there. happened to me today... lol