Restarting Reefer after running it out of fuel

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by methane, Feb 3, 2013.

  1. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

    17
    4
    Dec 1, 2012
    0
    OK, so Im an idiot. I ran my reefer out of fuel... at least I think so. I knew it was low, but I also know my fuel gauge is not accurate. Anyway, I was only 10 miles from the fuel stop and the reefer was running on continuous. I had to climb a steep hill and apparently while the truck was on the incline of the hill the fuel in the reefer tank was low enough that the angle of the tank allowed air to get into the fuel line. Now I have looked all over the internet and in this forum as well trying to find the proper procedure to using the priming pump on the reefer unit. I read a couple about putting air in the tank to pressurize it, but that seems like it might damage something. Another suggestion was to open or loosen the "bleed screw" to allow the air to escape while pumping the primer. Problem is, the post didnt explain where this bleed screw is located. Any help here? By the grace of God the temp outside is the same as the required load temp right now. But it wont stay that way forever.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. j3411

    j3411 Medium Load Member

    358
    421
    Jul 31, 2010
    Buckner, Il
    0
    Refers I've ran had a primer pump located right by the motor. Look for a round knob, twist to unlock it and pump away.
     
  4. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

    17
    4
    Dec 1, 2012
    0
    yes, that part i get. And ive pumped it atleast 200-300 times. I read in another post here that a bleed screw needs to be opened for the pump to work. But i dont know where this screw is.
     
    aiwiron Thanks this.
  5. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

    7,985
    4,372
    Feb 24, 2012
    0
    Another "trick" is to have a valvestem installed onto your cap for the reefer fuel tank.

    Put a slight pressure (less than 2-3 psi) to the tank to push the fuel up to the reefer.
     
    aiwiron Thanks this.
  6. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,756
    45,806
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
    0
    The bleed screw should be on top of the injection pump bleeding into the return line, it's a thumbscrew maybe 5/8 to 3/4 inch in diameter with a rubber hose attached to the outlet.

    Should be on the upper right side of the engine above the primer.
     
    aiwiron Thanks this.
  7. joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

    11,340
    27,301
    Nov 8, 2009
    The Highway To Hell.
    0
    Yup. Twist the bleed screw and prime it. 500 times. Seriously. It may take 2 or 3 tries to start it. But she will start. And don't let it run out of fuel again.
     
    TRKRSHONEY, Hammer166 and methane Thank this.
  8. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

    17
    4
    Dec 1, 2012
    0
    Great! Ill check it out right now. Thanks!
     
  9. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    15,317
    210
    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
    0
    500 pumps /3 times is almost enough
    if you think how little fuel can be pumped in the 2 inch throw of the pump you will realize your wrist will hurt before you are done
     
    j3411 and TRKRSHONEY Thank this.
  10. pokerhound67

    pokerhound67 Heavy Load Member

    801
    665
    Oct 30, 2012
    0
    indeed. by the time you are done priming it enough to get it started, you will have sworn to yourself at least a dozen times that you will NEVER let this happen again. i did it exactly once. after that i was paranoid forever of letting it get close to empty. SUCH a pita.
     
    Dinomite Thanks this.
  11. ralph

    ralph Road Train Member

    1,112
    632
    Mar 1, 2009
    At The Key Board
    0
    Try ether, that'll get her fired up!
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.