How to Start Diesel After Running Out of Fuel

Are you panicking because you accidentally ran out of fuel in your diesel engine? Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. Running out of diesel fuel is a common mistake many people make, especially if they are new to driving a diesel vehicle.

Running out of fuel in a diesel engine can be more than just inconvenient; it can lead to a situation where starting the engine becomes a bit complex due to the way diesel fuel systems operate. Unlike petrol engines, diesel engines require priming after running dry to remove air from the fuel system. Starting a diesel vehicle after running out of fuel involves specific steps critical to get your engine running smoothly again.

This guide aims to provide a clear and concise set of instructions on how to start diesel after running out of fuel, ensuring you’re back on the road with minimal hassle.

What are the Benefits of Owning a Diesel Vehicle?

Diesel engines have gained popularity in recent years thanks to their fuel efficiency and robust performance. Here are some benefits of owning a diesel vehicle that you should consider:

Better Fuel Economy: On average, diesel vehicles get 25-30% more miles per gallon than gasoline engines, making them an excellent choice for those who drive long distances or have a heavy daily commute.
More Torque: Diesel engines produce more torque, which translates into better towing capacity and acceleration. They also provide a smoother driving experience due to the steady power delivery.
Longevity and Durability: Due to their simple design and reliable components, diesel engines tend to last longer than gasoline engines. This saves you money on repairs and makes them a more sustainable choice.
Lower Emissions: While diesel engines were once known for their black smoke and high emissions, newer models have significantly lower emissions than gasoline engines. They also emit less carbon dioxide, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

Although owning a diesel vehicle may require additional maintenance, the benefits often outweigh the costs. And with proper care, your diesel engine can last for hundreds of thousands of miles.

What Will You Need?

Before you begin the process of starting your diesel engine after running out of fuel, make sure you have the following items:

Diesel Fuel: The first step to starting a diesel engine is, of course, adding fuel. Make sure to use high-quality diesel fuel from a reputable gas station.
Battery Charger (optional): If your battery is low or dead, using a battery charger can give it the boost it needs to start your engine.
Hand Primer: This tool manually pumps fuel into the fuel system to remove any air pockets.
Wrench: Depending on your vehicle model, you may need a twist to loosen and tighten specific components.
Safety Gear: It’s always essential to wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when dealing with vehicle maintenance.

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on how to start a diesel engine after running out of fuel.

10 Easy Steps on How to Start Diesel After Running Out of Fuel

Step 1. Fill Your Diesel Tank:

Begin by adding diesel fuel to your tank. It’s essential to put in enough fuel to restart the engine—typically, at least two gallons should suffice. This ensures that fuel can reach the engine and helps priming the fuel system. Also, ensure that the tank is not overfilled, as it can cause damage to your vehicle.

Step 2. Prepare the Battery (if needed):

If you have a dead or low battery, connect a battery charger and let it charge for a few minutes before starting the engine. This will give your battery enough power to turn over the engine. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the charger to avoid any damage to the battery or electrical system. Once the battery has been sufficiently charged, you can move on to the next step in the process.

Step 3. Prime the Fuel System:

Once you’ve refueled and prepared the battery, it’s essential to prime the fuel system to remove any air that may have entered when the tank was empty. Locate the manual primer pump, usually near the fuel filter. Pump the primer until you feel a resistance, indicating the fuel system is filled with diesel.

Depending on your vehicle model, you may need to loosen the bleeder valve to release trapped air during this process. When diesel starts to escape from the bleeder valve, tighten it back down, indicating that the system has been successfully primed.

Step 4. Crank the Engine:

After the fuel system has been adequately primed, you can attempt to start the engine. Turn the ignition key to the crank position and hold it there for no more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start, turn the key off. It’s crucial to wait a few minutes before trying again to avoid overheating the starter. Repeat this step as necessary, but if the engine fails to start after several attempts, check other conditions, such as whether there is sufficient charge in the battery or other underlying issues that may require professional attention.

Step 5. Check for Fuel Leaks:

After attempting to crank the engine, take a moment to inspect the fuel lines and connections for any signs of diesel leaks. It’s vital to spot leaks early as they could indicate that air is still entering the system or that there are issues with the fuel lines. If you find leaks, tighten the connections or replace damaged tubes before proceeding. Safety should always be your top priority, so ensure all fuel leaks are addressed before moving on to the next step.

Step 6. Verify the Fuel Pressure:

After ensuring no fuel leaks, the next step is to verify whether the diesel fuel pressure is sufficient. For this, you might need a fuel pressure gauge to confirm that the pressure meets the specifications for your specific vehicle model. Adequate fuel pressure is critical for proper engine operation, and if the pressure is too low, the engine may not start or run poorly. If you need to become more experienced with using a fuel pressure gauge, consider seeking assistance from a professional mechanic.

Step 7. Attempt to Start the Engine Again:

Once you have verified that the fuel pressure is within the appropriate range and there are no fuel leaks, it’s time to attempt to start the engine again. Turn the ignition key to the start position and hold it for up to 10 seconds. If the engine starts, allow it to idle for a few minutes to stabilize before driving. Should the engine not start on this attempt, it may be necessary to repeat the priming process to ensure all air has been removed from the fuel system.

Step 8. Inspect the Fuel Filter:

If the engine still does not start after repeated attempts, it’s advisable to inspect the fuel filter. A clogged filter can impede fuel flow, preventing the engine from starting. Remove the filter and check for debris or dirt blocking the fuel. Replace the filter if necessary. Always fill the new filter with diesel before installing it to avoid introducing air into the system.

Step 9. Bleed the Injectors:

If the engine still refuses to start, bleeding the injectors may be required, as air in the fuel system can prevent engine ignition. You’ll typically need to loosen the injector lines at the injectors themselves to bleed the injectors. Crank the engine in short bursts and watch for fuel to appear at the lines. Once you see fuel, tighten the lines. This process ensures that any air trapped in the lines is expelled, and only fuel is left in the system, ready for efficient combustion.

Step 10. Check the Engine for Start-Up:

After bleeding the injectors, it’s time for the final step – checking the engine for start-up. Turn the ignition to the start position and allow the engine to crank. If everything has been done correctly, the engine should start. Once the engine is running, let it idle for several minutes to ensure it is running smoothly and that the fuel system is functioning correctly. If the engine does not start at this point, it would be prudent to contact a professional mechanic, as more complex issues may be at play that require expert diagnosis and service.

Pump the Primer Until You Feel a Resistance

By following these steps, you can ensure that your diesel vehicle starts reliably every time. In addition to these steps, regular maintenance and proper care of your vehicle’s fuel system are crucial for long-term performance and efficiency. Keeping the tank filled with clean diesel, regularly changing filters at recommended intervals, and addressing any issues promptly can keep your engine running smoothly and prevent unexpected starting problems in the future.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

Prime the Fuel System: Before attempting to start the engine, manually prime the fuel system to remove any air that has entered due to the lack of fuel. This can typically be done with a priming pump or by following a specific process outlined in the vehicle’s owner manual.
Check for Fuel Filter Blockages: Debris might block the fuel filter after running out of diesel. Inspect and replace the filter if necessary to ensure clean fuel flows through the system once refilled.
Charge the Battery: The multiple attempts to start the vehicle after running out of fuel might have drained the battery. Make sure it’s fully charged before starting the engine again, as diesel engines require substantial power to crank.
Use Diesel Additives: Incorporate a diesel additive that helps to lubricate the fuel system and improve the fuel’s cetane number, leading to a more efficient start-up and smoother engine performance after depletion.
Cycle the Ignition: Without starting the engine, turn the key to the ignition position for a few seconds to activate the fuel pump and switch it back off. Repeat this process multiple times to help move fuel through the lines and aid in re-pressurizing the system.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can effectively start a diesel engine after running out of fuel without causing any further damage.

5 Things You Should Avoid When Starting a Diesel After Running Out of Fuel

Do Not Continue Cranking: Avoid excessive engine cranking in an attempt to start it after running out of fuel. This can cause unnecessary wear on the starter and drain the battery.
Avoid Using Starting Fluids: Starting fluids or ether-based sprays can cause damage to diesel engines and should not be used as a starting aid.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs: If the vehicle is showing signs of distress, like unusual noises or smoke, stop the starting process immediately to avoid further damage.
Skip Jump Starting: Do not jump-start the vehicle right away; ensure that the battery is adequately charged first. Jump-starting can sometimes mask underlying issues that could cause more significant problems later.
Refrain from Towing to Start: Towing the vehicle to start can place undue stress on the engine and drivetrain, which is not recommended, especially after a fuel outage.

By avoiding these common mistakes when starting a diesel engine after running out of fuel, you can prevent further damage and ensure a smoother start-up process.

How Do You Bleed Air Out of a Diesel Fuel System?

If you have followed all the steps and tips mentioned above but are still having trouble starting your diesel engine after running out of fuel, it may be due to air trapped in the fuel system. Bleeding or purging this air out is essential for proper engine function. Here’s how you can do it:

Locate the Fuel Bleed Screw: The location of the fuel bleed screw may vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Prepare a Container: Place a container or rag under the bleed screw to catch any fuel that may come out during the process.
Loosen the Bleed Screw: Using a wrench, loosen the bleed screw by turning it counterclockwise. This will allow air to escape from the fuel system.
Pump the Fuel Primer: Using a priming pump or manually pumping the fuel primer, continue until you see clean and steady fuel flow from the bleed screw.
Tighten the Screw: Once clean fuel is flowing steadily, tighten the bleed screw back into place.
Repeat the Process: Repeat this process for each fuel injector until all air is purged from the system.
Start the Engine: After bleeding the fuel system, attempt to start the engine again. It should start up smoothly now that any trapped air has been expelled.

By following these steps, you can effectively bleed air out of a diesel fuel system and get your engine running again after running out of fuel. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

What Are the Symptoms of Airlock in Diesel Fuel Systems?

An airlock in a diesel fuel system is a condition where air becomes trapped and prevents proper fuel flow to the engine. This can result in various symptoms that may indicate an airlock, including:

Vehicle Fails to Start: If there is an airlock in the fuel system, the vehicle will not start or may struggle to do so.
Engine Stalling: A trapped airlock can cause the engine to stall while running, especially at idle.
Loss of Power: The engine may experience a loss of power and struggle to accelerate if there is an airlock in the fuel system.
Irregular Idling: If you notice your engine idling erratically or surging, it could be due to an airlock.
Fuel Pump Noise: You may hear abnormal noises from the fuel pump, indicating that it is struggling to draw in fuel due to an airlock.

If you experience any of these symptoms after running out of diesel fuel, it could indicate an airlock in your fuel system. In this case, it’s crucial to bleed the system and remove any trapped air to prevent further damage to the engine.

Conclusion

In summary, starting a diesel engine after running out of fuel requires a careful and informed approach. By replacing or inspecting components such as the fuel filter, ensuring the battery is charged, using appropriate diesel additives, cycling the ignition, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can successfully revive your engine.

Furthermore, if you encounter an airlock in the fuel system, the proper bleeding procedures must be followed to restore functionality. These measures will not only help you get back on the road but will also safeguard your engine’s longevity and performance. Remember, prevention is key; keeping an eye on your fuel level and maintaining your diesel engine can help avoid the complications associated with running out of fuel.

Hopefully, this guide has provided valuable insight on how to start diesel after running out of fuel and the steps you can take to prevent such a situation from occurring in the first place. So be prepared, stay informed, and keep your diesel engine running smoothly! Happy driving!