Running out of Diesel

[bernardfeay]

I've never actually done it but I often wonder what happens if we do run out. I know in the old days it was OK to run out of petrol; you just poured another gallon into the tank. But I seem to remember that running out of diesel was a bleeding job (no pun intended). Is it still the same or do modern engines have some sort of cut off valves that prevents all the bother?

 

[Snowbird]

The simple answer is, some will self prime, and some wont.

 

[mjltigger]

I thought all modern diesels self primed. They drain down when you turn the engine off so the fuel line isn't left pressurised and the same process that repressurises the fuel at start will prime the fuel system if you've run out?

 

[andy63]

the mk7 transit can be very difficult to get away if you run out of fuel.. even changing the fuel filter can lead to problems if you don't brim full the new filter before trying to start it..
that's my experience anyway.
ta andy

 

[mjltigger]

I will have to be careful with my mk5 then. My mondeo starts fine after running out thankfully.

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[dave newell]

I thought all modern diesels self primed. They drain down when you turn the engine off so the fuel line isn't left pressurised and the same process that repressurises the fuel at start will prime the fuel system if you've run out?

No not all self prime, Fiat/Peugeot?Citroen have a priming pump in the tank that pushes the fuel up and the system can self bleed but Ford, Renault and Mercedes to name just 3 don't have the primary pump and will not self bleed, Fords are notoriously difficult to prime.

And the diesel systems do not drain down when switched off.

D.

 

[Silver-Fox]

You have to be careful when you change the fuel filter in a Vivaro, well the 53 model

You have to follow the instructions otherwise is a pain so they dont self prime

 

[gus-lopez]

I thought all modern diesels self primed. They drain down when you turn the engine off so the fuel line isn't left pressurised and the same process that repressurises the fuel at start will prime the fuel system if you've run out?

They might depressurise between the common-rail & the high pressure pump but the actual diesel line from tank to pump is always full.

Running out; doesn't bear thinking about for me in any vehicle.
Just in case you do run things close with fuel, here running out is actually an offence.

 

[StefAndDi]

Thanks Funsters,
Good thread, really useful information.
Stef.

 

[pappajohn]

Just in case you do run things close with fuel, here running out is actually an offence.

Its getting more and more like just being in Spain is an offence.

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[pappajohn]

I often wonder what happens if we do run out.

Not your problem if you have decent breakdown cover.

 

[Snowbird]

Not your problem if you have decent breakdown cover.

No breakdown cover in Spain for a local, means no insurance. I believe its compulsory with your insurance, that's why its illegal to tow.

 

[pappajohn]

No breakdown cover in Spain for a local, means no insurance. I believe its compulsory with your insurance, that's why its illegal to tow.

See post #10

 

[ivorantony]

[QUOTE="dave newell lvs, post: 1223685, member: 4733"but Ford, Renault and Mercedes to name just 3 don't have the primary pump and will not self bleed, Fords are notoriously difficult to prime.

Not quite, my Renault master 2500 cc 2008 G9U engine has a low pressure pump in the tank and a squeeze ball by the fuel filter plus the high pressure pump on the engine,
But you would be foolish to run dry as the high pressure pump gets it lubricating from its fuel and would reduce its life if you tried to self prime only,
Basically don't run out!

D.[/QUOTE]

 

[gus-lopez]

Its getting more and more like just being in Spain is an offence.

Yes they do have some that'll have you falling about.
Another one to catch you out is that it is illegal to wash your vehicle except in the garages & stand-alone car washes. That includes in your own fence & gated property !!

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[Tea Bag]

Hi.
It costs the same to FILL a half full tank,as to fill a tank HALF full... Here endeth the "Umpteenth" things to no about transport LOL !!!
You will find,that if the Red "Low fuel" light starts a winking miles from anywhere,serious damage can be done to the drivers seat,as your buttocks start trying to eat it.,. N'uff said.
Tea Bag

 

[Stephen & Jeannie]

Hi.
It costs the same to FILL a half full tank,as to fill a tank HALF full... Here endeth the "Umpteenth" things to no about transport LOL !!!
You will find,that if the Red "Low fuel" light starts a winking miles from anywhere,serious damage can be done to the drivers seat,as your buttocks start trying to eat it.,. N'uff said.
Tea Bag

My 4000 th. post says......

OH how true!!! Happened to me in Spain a couple of years back.....in the sodding dark ! Pulled on to the closed garage forecourt in the back of beyond and stayed the night until they opened ! Now that's wild camping !
Lesson learned, always fill up when down to one third full !

 

[AuldCodger]

I may be wrong ( it has happened in the past ) but if your battery gets tired while self priming do not attempt a bump start. I am led to believe that is a big no no with modern diesel engines ???

 

[laurieash]

Yes I also have heard that it can strip the teeth of the cambelt.

 

[gus-lopez]

I may be wrong ( it has happened in the past ) but if your battery gets tired while self priming do not attempt a bump start. I am led to believe that is a big no no with modern diesel engines ???

It is a definite no-no with the transits, they've hydraulic chain tensioners & the lack of oil pressure & a jump start will in 9 out of 10 cases do damage.

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[AuldCodger]

Must show this thread to the other half, two members agree I am right still doubt she will believe it possible

 

[Bartyfixedit]

My understanding is that you must NEVER try to bleed the high pressure side on a common rail engine; If you do, you risk a high pressure injection injury which at best results in amputation of the affected body part and at worst can kill you. Common rail injection pressures are massive!!!!! Over 15,000 psi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have run out then the system should self bleed before the battery is flat. If not seek a jump start or professional help. Do not go anywhere near the injectors with a spanner.

 

[pappajohn]

It is a definite no-no with the transits, they've hydraulic chain tensioners & the lack of oil pressure & a jump start will in 9 out of 10 cases do damage.

Be interesting to see some proof of this.......

Why doesnt the chain jump with a fully charged battery.....if the oil pressure is lost then it will be lost regardless of battery state

It will be no different to a jumper lead start.

 

[pappajohn]

Yes I also have heard that it can strip the teeth of the cambelt.

As my last post above....a jump start or fully charged battery.....how can one strip the cambelt but the other doesnt.

 

[pappajohn]

I may be wrong ( it has happened in the past ) but if your battery gets tired while self priming do not attempt a bump start. I am led to believe that is a big no no with modern diesel engines ???

A jump start can spike the ECU....no other reason not to use jump leads.

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[AuldCodger]

A jump start can spike the ECU....no other reason not to use jump leads.

Jogged one of the last remaining grey cells, that was exactly what I was warned. At least I remembered "no jump start"

 

[mjltigger]

It is a definite no-no with the transits, they've hydraulic chain tensioners & the lack of oil pressure & a jump start will in 9 out of 10 cases do damage.

Which transits? Mine has a belt. I have no idea how I would even start to think about bump starting it though so I'm fine..

 

[mjltigger]

Jogged one of the last remaining grey cells, that was exactly what I was warned. At least I remembered "no jump start"

A jump start can spike the ecu of any modern vehicle if it isn't done right.. The answer is to do it right. Jump starting is always the method of choice to start a car with a flat battery regardless of the cause of the flat. You can't bump an auto anyway and trying to bump start a 3.5tonne vehicle is a pretty much non starter.. excuse the pun.

 

[Ranger]

It is a definite no-no with the transits, they've hydraulic chain tensioners & the lack of oil pressure & a jump start will in 9 out of 10 cases do damage.

The reason is on a transit the starter motor turns the engine over in a slow controlled manner (sort of soft start) not a sharp shock as can be in a bump start.

 

[funflair]

I just carry a couple of gallons of diesel and if I am getting twitchy I can put some in for another 40 miles.

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