Unknown starting issue. Problem almost certainly lies with operator.

[onetonjohn]

No need. There's already fuel coming out of the pump.

Wasn't clear if it was pure fuel, or fuel and air mixed. I'm just going on fuel coming out the return line that wasn't hooked up.

 

[74IDI]

A few thoughts here:
First I want to say welcome and that's going to be a GREAT truck someday.
It can take a lot of cranking with the starter to bleed air out of the injector lines.
I noticed that you mentioned "battery". These engines take a lot of power to get running when they're cold. You really need two batteries if you only have one. You might not be able to spin the engine over fast enough to get it running with only one battery even after you get fuel to the injectors. You might try using a battery charger on the battery for some extra cranking power if you only have one battery.
The return line that goes to nothing is supposed to run to the fuel tank. I say "tank" because I only saw one tank in your pictures. You're getting fuel out of it when you stop cranking with the starter. You're also getting fuel out of the pump at the injector lines so you know that the pump is working in that regard. I feel like you should run a fuel line (5/16") from the fitting on the back of the metal return line into your fuel can to complete that part of the system.
I'll agree with IDIBOBS that you should address your lack of fuel issue before the glow plugs. Again, since you have fuel out of the pump and the return line, your fuel system is in good enough shape until the injector pump anyway. Have you loosened the injector lines nuts on top of the injectors while you crank over the engine? That does help get air out of the injector lines because it removes the pressure inside the lines. Air does not compress (build pressure) as well as a liquid (fuel) does. Once you can see fuel to most or all of your injectors, then you can tighten those nuts back up again and try to start the engine.
One last thing, don't try to plug off the return line at the back of the engine. The injector pumps need a constant flow of fuel to cool them off. Also if you get too much pressure in your return lines, the pump will stop pumping fuel.

Appreciate the kind words on the truck! This is going to be a lifelong build truck.

I’m currently running a group 31 battery in it, the previous battery was also a 31 so it fit in nicely. I think it should be cranking over fast enough to start, it cranks faster than my 7.3psd, but if you think a second battery would make a difference.

Appreciate the advice on the fuel injector lines. I’ve cracked them before, I’ll continue cranking with em tomorrow. My landlord is currently staying nextdoor and doesn’t love the sound of engine cranking at 10pm.

I have a line from the boat tank headed straight to the fuel pump, but the return line is already set to connect to the 55gal side tank, so I connected it to that, as it doesn’t reach back around to the front of the engine where the boat tank is. That shouldn’t affect anything other than my testing using more fuel right?

Very much so appreciate the help on this from y’all.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I think it should be cranking over fast enough to start, it cranks faster than my 7.3psd, but if you think a second battery would make a difference.

These were designed for two batteries for a reason. Sometimes people can get away with running one battery is it's warm outside and everything else is in pretty good shape.

That shouldn’t affect anything other than my testing using more fuel right?

This is right. The main thing is that you don't want to keep dumping fuel out, possibly onto the ground.

 

[DaveBen]

The reason for dual batteries is the current flow to the starting systems. A single battery will have barely enough current to run the starter AND glow plugs. YOU NEED two batteries!

 

[Jesus Freak]

The reason for dual batteries is the current flow to the starting systems. A single battery will have barely enough current to run the starter AND glow plugs. YOU NEED two batteries!

"NEED" is a big word really, it's all based on a "WANT", if he "WANTS" his truck to start then he "NEEDS" 2 batteries.....or better yet, a manual transmission and a "tow buddy".

But seriously, you're on the right track, it takes a BUNCH of spinning to get it to initially fire. After that, as long as you don't have fuel bleed back or air intrusion, it'll crank up quick every time...... almost every time.... anyway, you got this!

 

[74IDI]

"NEED" is a big word really, it's all based on a "WANT", if he "WANTS" his truck to start then he "NEEDS" 2 batteries.....or better yet, a manual transmission and a "tow buddy".

But seriously, you're on the right track, it takes a BUNCH of spinning to get it to initially fire. After that, as long as you don't have fuel bleed back or air intrusion, it'll crank up quick every time...... almost every time.... anyway, you got this!

Think I’ve located my problem area…

Doesn’t seem like fuel is coming out of the injection pump on the injection line side, I could have sworn the lines were wet when I checked them before but I must have just been breaking too much brake cleaner in.

Fuel shutoff valve has 12v and the shraeder valve spewed fuel mighty powerfully before this.

Here’s a video of the cranking. There’s not a drop of fuel coming out of the pump on that side.

Not sure if this is a definite rebuild or replacement situation, would appreciate advice on next steps.

Thanks y’all

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[Jesus Freak]

Sure is spinning fast for one battery!

Have you shot a huff of ether in it?

 

[74IDI]

Sure is spinning fast for one battery!

Have you shot a huff of ether in it?

I hooked up a second battery yesterday, now I’m running double 31T’s. Sure cranks nice. I’ve put quite a bit of ether into it, it fires and the exhaust smokes, but still no fuel outta the injector lines.

 

[74IDI]

Sure is spinning fast for one battery!

Have you shot a huff of ether in it?

Just cranked it over a bunch more, still no fuel coming out, any recommendations on what I should do? If it’s screwed where should I be looking to get it rebuilt/replaced?

 

[ihc1470]

I may have missed it but I do not see where you mention power to the fuel shut off solenoid on the injection pump. Should have battery voltage with key on. If you pull the wire you should hear it click. There is still a chance that the rack is stuck even if electrically it is working. In that case you probably will need to pull the cover off the pump and gently work the linkage until it frees up. Do some study on the net on how to put the top cover back into place. If done wrong it will run away on you.

 

[74IDI]

I may have missed it but I do not see where you mention power to the fuel shut off solenoid on the injection pump. Should have battery voltage with key on. If you pull the wire you should hear it click. There is still a chance that the rack is stuck even if electrically it is working. In that case you probably will need to pull the cover off the pump and gently work the linkage until it frees up. Do some study on the net on how to put the top cover back into place. If done wrong it will run away on you.

Yes I did mention it in the original post, but it doesn’t stand out, end of paragraph 4 I believe.

But I actually just got back inside from messing with it as I thought it might be the issue as well. I pulled the cover off and put 12v to the solenoid and it didn’t click like I expected to, until I gave the bar a little push and it sucked right in and wouldn’t come back out until I took off the 12v.

Tomorrow I’m going to manually actuate the solenoid and put it back together with it open, and see if that gets fuel through. If not then I’ll head to the junkyard tomorrow and see if they’ve got any pumps there. I’ll be careful to make sure the actuator arm goes on correct so it doesn’t run away.

I also one of the FSS bolts while I was put there so pray for me that I can find it tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the advice IHC

 

[IDIBRONCO]

There is still a chance that the rack is stuck even if electrically it is working. In that case you probably will need to pull the cover off the pump and gently work the linkage until it frees up. Do some study on the net on how to put the top cover back into place. If done wrong it will run away on you.

I'll second this.

Yes I did mention it in the original post, but it doesn’t stand out, end of paragraph 4 I believe.

Your video also shows a jumper wire attached to it.

Tomorrow I’m going to manually actuate the solenoid and put it back together with it open, and see if that gets fuel through.

Maybe you should try manually moving the solenoid several times and then see what happens with power put to it. One thing I should also mention, unless you ground the top of the pump, the solenoid won't self activate even with 12V power attached.

 

[74IDI]

I'll second this.

Your video also shows a jumper wire attached to it.

Maybe you should try manually moving the solenoid several times and then see what happens with power put to it. One thing I should also mention, unless you ground the top of the pump, the solenoid won't self activate even with 12V power attached.

Yes, I had ground to the nut with the ground bolt. I just attempted to put it together with the FSS kept open, and there was no difference. I’m not confident that the FSS is working correctly.

The valve actuator seemed fine to me, if a little loose. Here’s a video of it:

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Unless the FSS is the problem, it’s seemingly imperative that I’m going to need to either get this pump rebuilt or replaced, if that’s the case I’d appreciate advice on who to go to for a pump on the cheap end. I still don’t even know if this thing’ll run with a good pump.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

On the cheap end? About anywhere you can find one for sale. Those usually don't last very long. On the quality end, use Moose Diesel, Classic Diesel Designs, or R&D Idi Performance. Those are the top ones for quality. They aren't cheap though.
Honestly, I think that you'd be better off with a used pump that you could pick up for little to nothing over a "new" or "rebuilt" low priced pump.

 

[74IDI]

On the cheap end? About anywhere you can find one for sale. Those usually don't last very long. On the quality end, use Moose Diesel, Classic Diesel Designs, or R&D Idi Performance. Those are the top ones for quality. They aren't cheap though.
Honestly, I think that you'd be better off with a used pump that you could pick up for little to nothing over a "new" or "rebuilt" low priced pump.

Are there groups I could be looking at for used pumps? I can’t for the life of me seem to find a used one for sale on ebay or facebook.