CAT 330, 3126B engine

[klparker]

Have a 2001 Itasca Horizon, diesel pusher, CAT 330, 3126B engine.  Changed the fuel filter and fuel/water separator filter and now it will not crank.  Any help would be appreciated.

 

KLParker

[sstgermain]

So it won't turn over or it won't start up? Did you fill the filters with diesel before you installed them??

[rossboyer]

I think I had the same chassis, but different year. Is there a rubber bulb on the water separator? If so, it is the pump to pump the fuel into the filters. Or there could be a pump on the secondary filter. In either case use it to pump fuel. When it gets too hard to pump, try to start. Probably will have to repeat 4 or 5 time to get all the air out of the lines and filters. 

[hermanmullins]

KL, on my Cummins you need to turn the key on for 5 to 6 second several times. That is what prime the lines and filter. It may not help on your Cat but works for my Cummins.

Herman

[wolfe10]

Several variations to the fuel system (all chosen by Freightliner, your chassis maker):

Best:  Primary fuel filter (10-30 micron element), lift pump, secondary fuel filter (2 micron element) with Caterpillar manual primer pump. If you have this set-up, install filters dry and use the manual primer pump to prime.  When hard to push, you are done.  Go start the engine.

Next best:  2 filters with bulb-type primer pump. Again, push the primer button/bulb until hard.

Next best: 2 filters with no primer pump.  If secondary is a Caterpillar filter head, a Caterpillar manual primer pump can easily be added (remove two bolts and replace the block off plate).

Worse: a single fuel filter and no primer pump.  Here you HAVE TO FILL THE FILTER, and if level of fuel in fuel tank is lower, fuel will flow all the way back to the tank when you remove the filter element, leaving you with 25+ feet of AIR in the fuel line.

 

Now, as to your "no start", please tell us exactly how far into the start cycle you get:

Ignition on, Allison shift pad illuminated and in Neutral.

After waiting for intake manifold heater light to go out, it will not crank.

It cranks, but not at normal speed.

Cranks at normal speed, but doesn't try to start.

Tries to start, but runs ragged, like not all cylinders are firing.

[klparker]

Will try the on position.  Engine will try to turn over, but doesn't.  Will look for bulb around fuel filter, water/fuel has no bulb. Put fuel in both filters.  Engine tries to crank but will not.  Will look for pump for fuel.

[wolfe10]

Sorry, need some clarification of " Engine will try to turn over, but doesn't. "

Doesn't turn over or turns over slower than normal or turns over at normal speed but doesn't try to start?

 

AND, which fuel filter set up do you have?

 

[klparker]

Located pump on top of engine and pumped until it was firm, and the engine "cranked".  Thank you all for your assistance.

[wolfe10]

Excellent.

Make sure you screw the plunger back in when you are finished priming (turn it clockwise to re-lock it in place).

[manholt]

Great information!