Bleeding Your Diesel Mk6 Transit: Step-By-Step Guide

how to bleed fuel system on diesel mk6 transit

Bleeding a diesel fuel system on a Mk6 Transit can be a tricky process. It is important to note that cranking the engine to bleed the system is not recommended, as it can cause damage to the starter motor and fuel pump. Instead, one method suggests using a hand priming tool to operate the hand pressure pump until the fuel filter is full, then continuing to operate the tool during cranking if necessary. Another method involves removing the fuel filter, filling it with diesel, and getting a friend to open the injectors one by one, then cranking it over until the fuel comes out. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using easy start on modern engines, as it can cause damage.

How to bleed fuel system on diesel Mk6 transit

Characteristics Values
Engine type Common rail diesel
Tools Hand priming tool, diesel priming tool, syringe, vacuum pump
Steps 1. Remove the fuel filter. 2. Fill the fuel filter with diesel. 3. Open the injectors one at a time and crank the engine until fuel comes out. 4. Tighten the injectors. 5. Start the engine and allow it to idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. 6. Remove the priming tool.
Tips Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time. Allow the engine to cool for 30 seconds between cranking. Do not use easy start on modern engines.

shunfuel

Use a diesel priming tool to pull diesel from the tank

To bleed the fuel system on a diesel Mk6 transit, one method is to use a diesel priming tool to pull diesel from the tank. This process involves several steps to ensure the fuel system is bled effectively and safely.

Firstly, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials, including a diesel priming tool, a clean rag or towel, and any other specific items required for your vehicle. Familiarize yourself with the engine and the fuel system layout, including key components such as the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, and fuel injectors.

Next, turn off the engine and remove the ignition key from the cylinder. Locate the fuel filter and determine if it has a built-in bleeder screw. If it does, position a clean rag or towel beneath the bleeder screw to catch any fuel spills, and then use a wrench or bleeder screw key to loosen the screw in a counterclockwise direction.

Now, you can use the diesel priming tool. Operate the hand pressure pump until the fuel filter is full and the tool becomes firm. Continue operating the tool during cranking if necessary, but be sure not to run the starter motor for more than 10 seconds at a time. Allow it to cool for 30 seconds between crankings.

Finally, start the engine and let it idle until it reaches its normal operating temperature, then remove the priming tool.

It is important to note that you should always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the process.

shunfuel

Fill the fuel filter with diesel

Filling the fuel filter with diesel is a crucial step in bleeding a diesel fuel system in a Mk6 Transit. This process helps to ensure that the fuel system is primed and that the fuel pump is lubricated, reducing the risk of damage.

To fill the fuel filter with diesel, start by unscrewing the plastic retaining collar located at the top of the diesel filter. Gently pull the filter downwards to remove it. It is important to ensure that you have a new, clean fuel filter ready for installation.

Next, pour diesel fuel into the new filter. One user recommends filling it approximately three-quarters full with clean diesel. It is important to tap the filter and refill it several times to remove any air trapped inside. This step is crucial to ensure that the fuel system is adequately bled.

Once you have filled and tapped the new filter, it is time to install it. Push the new filter onto the fuel system, ensuring it is secure and properly aligned. Screw the retaining collar back on, making sure it is tight.

After installing the new, diesel-filled filter, start the van. It is recommended to let the engine run for a few minutes to ensure that the fuel system is functioning correctly.

shunfuel

Crack open the injectors one at a time

To crack open the injectors one at a time, you will need an assistant to help with the process. First, remove the fuel filter and fill it with diesel. Then, ask your assistant to open one injector at a time while you crank the engine. As you do this, diesel will be released from the injectors. Once this happens, tighten the injectors and start the engine, which should start immediately.

It is important to note that you should not attempt to bleed the system by cranking the engine without diesel in it, as this can cause damage to the starter motor and fuel pump. Instead, use a diesel priming tool or a hand priming tool to operate the hand pressure pump until the fuel filter is full.

Additionally, if there is air in the clear fuel line, you can confirm if there is an issue with the fuel pick-up in the tank by using the primer to pull fuel from the tank. If the fuel is air-free, then the problem is likely not with the pick-up.

shunfuel

Manually prime the bleed on the injector pump

To manually prime the bleed on the injector pump, start by opening the bleed screw on the injector pump. You should then prime the system using the mechanism on top of the filter. Once you have a good flow of diesel at the bleed nipple, close the bleed nipple and move on to the injector lines, doing them one at a time.

It is important to ensure that the fuel filter is full before attempting to start the engine. This can be done by operating a hand pressure pump until the fuel filter is full and the tool becomes firm.

If you have a diesel priming tool, you can try pulling diesel from the tank. If it comes up, you know there is no problem with the pickup in the tank. If this is the case, fit the primer in line between the filter and the pump and prime the system while an assistant cranks the engine. Once the engine starts, allow it to idle while you continue to pump the primer, and leave it to idle for 5 minutes before turning off the engine and removing the primer.

It is also possible to fill the fuel filter with diesel, fit it, and then start the engine. You can then run the engine for a few minutes, turn it off, and the van should start again without any issues.

shunfuel

Avoid cranking the engine to bleed the system

Bleeding a fuel system by cranking the engine is not recommended as it can cause damage to the starter motor or fuel pump. This is due to the pump turning with no diesel in it, which can also result in a flat battery.

Instead, it is advised to use a hand priming tool. First, operate the hand pressure pump until the fuel filter is full and the tool becomes firm. Then, start the engine and allow it to idle until it reaches normal operating temperature before removing the priming tool.

Another method is to take the fuel filter out and fill it with diesel. Get a friend to crack open the injectors one at a time, then crank it over until the fuel comes out and tighten the injectors up.

A third option is to use a priming tool fitting into the outlet from the fuel filter to the pump. Leave the pipe from the primer disconnected and place it into a suitable container. Pump the priming pump until diesel comes out free of air, then connect the open end of the pipe to the pipe from the fuel filter to the fuel pump. With the aid of an assistant, crank the engine while continuing to pump the priming pump, forcing diesel into the fuel pump. Once the engine starts, leave it to idle for a few minutes, then remove the priming pump.

Frequently asked questions

The best way to bleed the fuel system is to take the fuel filter out and fill it with diesel. Then, get someone to open the injectors one at a time, and crank it over until the fuel comes out.

If your diesel transit won't start, try filling the filter with diesel, starting the engine, and letting it idle for a while to expel any air. If that doesn't work, try disconnecting the return line from the engine to the filter housing.

It is recommended to use a diesel priming tool to bleed the fuel system. Also, do not try to bleed the system by cranking the engine, as this can cause damage to the starter motor or fuel pump.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment