Have I got air in the system?

[papa]

Hi - this is my first post to the forum. I am new to diesel engines and rapidly losing patience, knucles and hair. I have a 98 2.7 td Ford Maverick that has been stood for several weeks. (It has previously started first time every time!) When I tried to start it it fired up for a couple of seconds then died. Now the starter motor turns and tuns but the engine just won't fire. There is plenty of fuel in the tank.
A friend states that it is possible that I have air in the system and that I need to bleed it. Trouble is that I haven't gort a clue how to do this.
Can anybody else give me the answer? Or has anybody got a link to a diagram or manual showing me how to do this? Please be as basic as you can - assume I know nothing and you might be close to the truth.
Thanks.

 

[Toolbox]

Hello Papa,

All you need to do to prime the fuel system is pump the hand primer on to of the fuel filter until it goes hard. If it wont start after this then undo one of the injector pipes at the injector and see if any fuel is coming out when cranking.

 

[Jocky]

Hello Papa,

All you need to do to prime the fuel system is pump the hand primer on to of the fuel filter until it goes hard. If it wont start after this then undo one of the injector pipes at the injector and see if any fuel is coming out when cranking.

I had the exact same problem with my T2 when left standing for a few weeks. Flattened battery.

Had to do as toolbox says undone injector pipe to expel air. Try to stay away from no1 injector as it has electrical connection and you don't want to break it. I ended up removing intercooler and renewing spill pipes between injectors when it was off. There is also a spill pipe under the manifold that is a pig to get at and it was needing changed, soaked with diesel and I think this was the sourse of air ingress!!!!!!

:smile:

 

[papa]

Many thanks to Toolbox and Gego. I'll try and find the injectors in the morning and give it a go. Fingers crossed! -banghead-