Not everyone knows how to start diesel after running out of fuel, but this knowledge is essential for all drivers! It can save you money or even become useful in emergencies.
Vehicles using diesel engines are not uncommon, so this know-how will not be excessive.
Understand Your Diesel Engine
Before learning how to start a diesel after running out of fuel, ensure you’re clear about your vehicle’s engine first!
The diesel engine is an internal combustion (IC) engine used to power relatively heavy machinery and vehicles. And these diesels won’t rev high.
The low-speed diesel engine is typically used to power large machinery and vehicles like buses, lorries, generators, etc.
These engines operate using the diesel cycle, which entails two isentropic processes, a constant volume and pressure process.
Diesel is pumped into a combustion chamber, which is later ignited by the air’s high temperature.
Now, it’s time to learn what happens if we run out of diesel!
How To Start Diesel After Running Out Of Fuel?
What to do if you run out of diesel?
First, drain the coolant, clean or replace the fuel filter, clean the fuel tank and oil fill point, fill your fuel tank, prime the fuel system, turn on the ignition, and crank your engine.
Drain The Coolant
How to start a diesel that ran out of fuel? Drain the coolant first!
Before starting the motor, all fluids should be removed, beginning with the coolant. A coolant flush kit that connects to most garden hoses can be used.
Refill it with brand-new coolant once it has been completely drained.
Clean Or Replace The Fuel Filter
After that, check the primary fuel filter in case your vehicle ran out of fuel diesel.
The engine may run out of fuel due to a blocked filter that restricts its flow to the system.
Look for symptoms like black smoke from the exhaust, poor performance, and trouble starting the engine to spot a clogged filter.
Before starting the diesel ran out of fuel, replace the fuel filter. In some cases, I only have to clean it because the blockage is not too bad.
Finding the filter on the motor is the first step in replacing it. It usually stands close to the diesel tank.
Locate the filter, unplug its lines, then remove the old filter. Reconnect the lines after replacing the filter. Before continuing, ensure the connections are secure.
Clean The Fuel Tank And Oil Fill Point
Remove the fuel from the tank and thoroughly clean the tank out with water. Replace the tank screen and gaskets after carefully cleaning the sediment bowl.
Following that, I advise cleansing its lines as well.
Kerosene should be poured into the oil fill point while it’s dripping into the pan. You may now clean the oil fill point to continue running a diesel out of fuel.
Fill Your Fuel Tank
Next, fill the tank with diesel after checking. For the best performance, it’s crucial to utilize the right kind of diesel fuel. The best type of fuel for your car can be found in the owner’s manual.
Prime The Fuel System
Before starting the vehicle, the fuel system must be primed after filling the tank. Find the manual priming pump and prime the system.
Normally, this is situated next to the fuel filter. It will flow through the fuel lines once the primer pump is placed over the line and you apply several hard presses.
At this stage, you almost complete the process of cranking a diesel out of fuel.
Turn On The Ignition
Turn your ignition switch to the “on” position after the fuel system has been primed. Suppose you can’t turn it; let’s bypass the ignition switch.
Before starting the motor, if it has a glow plug light, wait for the light to turn off. This proves that the glow plugs have reached operating temperature.
Crank Your Engine
The last stage in starting a diesel engine is to crank it until it ignites. Turn the ignition key to the “start” position and maintain it there until the motor fires up.
Check its lines, filter, and spark plugs to identify the problem if the vehicle refuses to start.
FAQs
What Happens If A Diesel Runs Out Of Fuel?
When your fuel is low, your fuel pump might pump air rather than fuel through your system. In that case, your car will stop and won’t start again until the fuel-air mixture is released.
The process of “bleeding” the system can take many hours, depending on your equipment. While some engines include self-bleeding mechanisms, the majority need to be serviced.
Your system could be harmed in case of your diesel out of fuel. That’s because sediment is frequently present in the lowest-quality energy, which sinks to the bottom of the tank.
If this sediment flows through the system, you may need to repair one or more of its mechanical fuel pump or electric fuel pump, filter, rail, and injectors.
What happens if diesel runs out?
Depending on the severity of your problems and the components, you can expect a downtime of several weeks and repair expenses of several thousand dollars.
How Common Is A Runaway Diesel?
Diesel engine runaways are uncommon. These days, the majority of the relevant components are electronic. Therefore, the likelihood of such an occurrence is limited.
How To Prevent Diesel Engine Runaway?
The most frequent response is deactivating the ignition key and turning off the engine when it starts to run away.
Unfortunately, this course of action will fail. The machine is now running on vapors; therefore, switching the key will have no impact.
At this point, cutting off its air supply is the only practical solution. Fortunately, there are safety mechanisms that shut off the air supply in a runaway situation.
Conclusion
You’ve learned how to start diesel after running out of fuel. It’s not too difficult when you have enough knowledge and the necessary tools.
The advice for you is to regularly check the car’s fuel level to make sure to refill when needed.
At the same time, other parts of the system, such as the oil filter, should be cleaned periodically to ensure the best performance.