Katerina Swanson
Running out of diesel can cause more problems than just having to walk to the gas station. Unlike gasoline cars, diesel engines operate under extremely high fuel pressure, and when the fuel runs dry, air gets sucked into the system, which must be vented (bled) out. Modern diesel engines built from the early 2000s onwards have a self-bleeding function, but older setups may require physical input to get their engines re-fired. This guide will explain how to start a diesel car after running out of fuel, covering both older and newer models.
How to start a diesel car after running out of fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What not to do | Do not start the engine without fuel as injectors and other parts could be damaged due to lack of lubrication. |
| First step | Refill the tank with fresh diesel fuel. |
| Second step | Turn the ignition on without starting the engine and leave it in the "ON" position for 30 seconds. |
| Third step | Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then crank the motor until it starts. |
| If the engine doesn't start | Repeat the second and third steps. |
| If the engine starts but stalls | Turn the ignition off and wait a minute before cranking. |
| Once the engine starts | Allow it to idle for several minutes and check for any leaks before driving. |
| If the engine still doesn't start | Have the truck towed to a shop or dealership service department for proper diagnosis and repair. |
| Bleeding the system of air | In most modern diesel engines, there's a self-bleeding function that rids the fuel system of air without tinkering under the hood. In older diesel tractors or pickup trucks, the fuel system requires manual bleeding to restart the motor. |
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What You'll Learn
Refill the tank with fresh diesel fuel
Refilling the tank with fresh diesel fuel is the first step in restarting a diesel car that has run out of fuel. This is because diesel engines operate under extremely high fuel pressure, and when the fuel runs dry, air gets sucked into the system, which must be vented (bled) out.
If you have an older diesel tractor or pickup truck, the fuel system will require manual bleeding to restart the motor. The process involves loosening the union nuts of each injector, a bleeder screw on top of the fuel filter housing, or a Schrader valve in the fuel line. You will need a wrench, a couple of rags to wipe any mess, and possibly a small bottle to collect the primed diesel.
Firstly, refill the tank with fresh diesel fuel. Then, grab a wrench and loosen the bleeder nuts with a half or complete turn. Do not wholly loosen or remove the nuts. Crank the engine without starting until air and bubbles flow out from the bleeder. Repeat this step until the fuel lines are free of air and bubbles.
If your diesel car has a self-bleeding function, as is the case with most modern diesel engines built from the early 2000s onwards, you can simply refill the tank with fresh diesel fuel, and the system will rid itself of air without any further action from you.
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Prime the fuel system
To prime the fuel system of a diesel car, you must first fill the engine with diesel fuel. This is because, when a diesel engine runs out of fuel, air gets sucked into the system, and it must be vented out. This process is known as "bleeding" the lines and injectors.
Before you begin, find a good mechanical manual to help you understand the process and locate the fuel starter pump and bleed screw. The pump and screw will normally be located somewhere near the engine fuel filter. The starter pump will be a large button, rubber ball, or small lever.
Now, carefully inspect the fuel system and check for any obvious air leaks. Loosen the bleeder screw a few turns. The loose bleed screw allows air to leave the fuel line as the fuel is pulled from the fuel tank to the fuel filter. Pump the starter pump until the diesel fuel flows out of the loose bleed screw. You may need to pump for 5 to 10 minutes before you see fuel flowing out.
Next, tighten the bleed screw with a screwdriver and try to start the engine normally. If the engine does not start within 15 seconds of turning the ignition on, repeat the filling process to get more fuel into the fuel filter and pump.
Alternatively, you can try turning the ignition on (Run position) for 30 seconds, but do not start the engine. Then, turn the ignition off and crank it for 15 seconds. If the engine does not start, repeat this process until it fires up. If the engine starts but immediately stalls, wait for one minute before making another attempt.
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Bleed the air from the fuel system
Bleeding the air from the fuel system is a crucial step in restarting a diesel car that has run out of fuel. This process involves removing the excess air that has been sucked into the fuel lines when the tank ran dry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Refill the Tank
Start by refilling the tank with fresh diesel fuel. This is important because, unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines will not simply start with a fuel refill. The presence of air in the fuel lines must be addressed first.
Step 2: Prime the Fuel System
Turn the ignition on (to the "Run" position) without starting the engine, and leave it in this position for about 30 seconds. This step allows the pump to prime the system. Then, turn the ignition off.
Step 3: Crank the Engine
Now, crank the engine for around 15 seconds. If the engine does not start, repeat the previous two steps until it does. If the engine starts but immediately stalls, wait for a minute before attempting to start it again.
Step 4: Bleed the Fuel Lines
To manually bleed the fuel lines, you will need a wrench, some rags, and possibly a small bottle to collect any diesel that escapes during the process. First, loosen the union nuts of each injector, a bleeder screw on top of the fuel filter housing, or a Schrader valve in the fuel line. Do not completely loosen or remove the nuts. Then, crank the engine without starting it until air and bubbles flow out from the bleeder. Repeat this step until the fuel lines are free of air and bubbles.
Step 5: Final Checks
Once the engine starts, let it idle for a few minutes and check for any fuel leaks before driving. Ensure you also check the fuel filter and battery before taking the car out on the road.
It is important to note that modern diesel engines built from the early 2000s onwards often have a self-bleeding function, which means you may not need to manually bleed the air from the fuel system. Always refer to your car's user manual for specific instructions.
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Check for leaks
If you suspect that your diesel car is leaking fuel, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. Fuel leaks can be dangerous and cause damage to your vehicle.
To check for leaks, start by raising the vehicle and supporting it on jack stands. Ensure you have a flashlight to help you see the fuel lines clearly. Trace the fuel lines from the tank to the engine, looking for any signs of a leak. This includes spots with an accumulation of dust and road grime, wet spots or streaks, and clean spots where fuel may have washed away grime. If you notice fuel dripping from a structural component, follow it to try and discover the source of the leak. Remember that gravity and wind pressure can affect the path of the fuel, so it may be running along several components before it drips out.
There are also products available that can help you locate a fuel leak. These products contain a dye that will glow under fluorescent or ultraviolet light. Simply add the dye to your fuel tank, run the engine, and check the undercarriage of your car for leaks.
Another method to check for leaks is to disconnect the line from the water separator to the lift pump. Place the line in a jar of clean diesel, below the level of the lift pump, and operate the lever on the lift pump. If the fuel passes through without air bubbles, replace the line and move on to the next one, working back towards the tank. Repeat this process until you have isolated the leaky fuel line, valve, or seal.
If you identify a fuel leak, unless you have sufficient mechanical knowledge and experience, it is recommended to take your car to a garage for repairs.
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Avoid cranking and re-cranking the motor
When trying to start a diesel car after it has run out of fuel, it is important to avoid repeatedly cranking the motor. Cranking the engine without sufficient fuel can lead to issues with the injectors and other engine components due to a lack of lubrication.
Modern diesel engines rely on a range of sensors and the ECM (engine control module) to control fuel injection timing, air intake, and other critical functions. If the engine is cranked for extended periods without sufficient fuel, these sensors can be damaged, leading to incorrect signals being sent to the ECM and subsequent performance issues.
Additionally, diesel engines operate under extremely high fuel pressure. When the fuel runs dry, air gets sucked into the fuel lines and injectors. Cranking the engine repeatedly without addressing this issue can cause further complications. The air must be bled from the system, and failing to do so before attempting to restart the engine can lead to damage.
To avoid potential harm to the engine, it is crucial to address the root cause of the issue. Ensure that the fuel system is primed and that there is enough fuel in the tank to sustain combustion. Check for any leaks in the fuel lines and inspect the fuel filter for blockages. Only attempt to start the engine when you are confident that the fuel system is functioning correctly and that there is sufficient fuel to power the engine.
By taking these precautions and avoiding excessive cranking, you can reduce the risk of damaging your diesel engine after it has run out of fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Unlike gasoline cars, diesel engines require bleeding the system of air to get the motor up and running. First, refill the tank with fresh diesel fuel. Then, turn the ignition on without starting the engine and leave it in the "ON" position for 30 seconds. Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then crank the motor until it starts. If it does not start, repeat the process. If the engine starts but immediately stalls, wait again for one minute before making another attempt. Once the powerplant does start, allow it to idle for several minutes and check for any leaks before driving.
For older diesel engines, you will need to manually bleed out the excess air before attempting to restart the engine. First, refill the tank with fresh diesel fuel. Then, grab a wrench and loosen the bleeder nuts with a half or complete turn. Do not wholly loosen or remove the nuts. Crank the engine without starting until air and bubbles flow out from the bleeder. Repeat this step until the fuel lines are free of air and bubbles.
If your diesel car still won't start, there may be other issues besides running out of fuel. It is best to have the truck towed to a shop or dealership service department for proper diagnosis and repair.
