Hi guys, looking for some advice here; D69U #9023
This is the one I have converted to direct electric start (using the Delco MT39 in place of the pony clutch) Pics will eventually be taken, and shared here.
Brief history: this Cat has not run since 2013, back then it always started okay with the pony, and ran fine.
Last time I tried to start it, in 2015, the pony ran for a while, then locked up, so I left it until earlier this year.
The electric conversion worked out really well, the MT39 spins the D318 over quite easily.
I have not had time to work on it again until today, taking advantage of a warm spell we are enjoying right now,
My problem is that I can't get the diesel to start. I figure it is not getting fuel, as it will fire on ether, but only as long as you keep spraying it.
The tank dipstick shows 30 gallons.
I did change the fuel filters a while back, before trying to start the engine.
Preheated the former pony exhaust pipe through the diesel intake, for about an hour, with a propane torch
Looked under the inspection cover on the injector pump all six pumps (I think) move up and down when the engine is cranked.
I 'cracked' the nuts on the lines on top of the injector pump, fuel trickles out of all six when the engine is cranked.
She does make white smoke while trying to start, but maybe that's the ether?
Do I maybe have air in the system after changing the filters?
Should I crack the nuts at the injectors and crank until fuel comes out?
Might have to make a tool for that, they look hard to get at.
Thanks in advance,
Toby