Parked it and now, no start

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by dajain, Oct 19, 2022.

  1. dajain

    dajain Light Load Member

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    She's a 1999 FLD120. Parked her on a side slope 2 days ago. It's a pretty good slope. The left tank is is higher than the right tank.

    Will the tanks empty into the other on such a slope? It wont start and wondering is level ground is needed to get the tanks equal?

    The filter housing is empty and that's what makes me think it is a "level" issue
     
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  3. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Look in the darn tank and see. But yes, fuel will siphon itself to the low side tank
     
  4. Crude Truckin'

    Crude Truckin' Alien Spacecraft

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    Fuel from the high side equalized into the low side while sitting there. So basically you're sucking air. Drop 20 gallons in the high side, get it primed and it should start.
     
  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    If you have a shut off valve, located under the cab, look under cab near drivers door. It’s probably set to “both”. Set it to “left”, prime the filter if possible. or just try cranking it. It should start. Might need to prime filter a couple times, but it should start. A little ether if needed. Just to get it started, and fuel pumping good. If not, it’s completely lost prime, you can shoot air into the tank, using an air blow gun, and a rag to seal the opening. That will pressurize the tank, and push fuel into the system.
     
  6. dajain

    dajain Light Load Member

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    I did look in the downhill side and much to my surprise, 100% full. The uphill tank, dry. My Peterbilt didn't do this so it was a surprise at he no start.
    Obviously a level, pavement princess.haha

    Thanks guys!
     
  7. dajain

    dajain Light Load Member

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    I will look for that in the morning. Thanks!
     
  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    100% full? Other one shouldn’t be empty. Only happens when low on fuel. You probably have a problem with the fuel return line, or the valve itself. Ironically I have the same problem right now. I’m running on the left tank only. Both tanks draw, when set one at a time, but when I set them to “both”, my left tank doesn’t return, or the right tank doesn’t draw. Not sure. Right tank overflows. Have yet to figure it out.
     
  9. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    What is the fuel pickup/return pipes setup on yours truck? If it's from the top of fuel tank pipe look for cracks on pickup tube. Usually crack is right under the flange due to vibration. It's sucking less fuel due to air intrusion but return is equal.
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  10. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    The filter housing shouldn’t be empty, because you’re parked on a slope. Something else is going on, with it. If yours has the fill cap on the top, just fill the housing full of fuel, and get it cranked up. Once running decent enough, pull it back up on level ground. I think, you have an air leak, with that housing. The fuel inside shouldn’t drain off. If so, you’d always be trying to start the engine on an unprimed fuel system. That’s just not how it works.

    You’ve got to have fuel in the left tank. I can’t fathom you’re parked on such a steep slope the left tank is completely empty. And, fuel transferring between tanks wouldn’t have an effect on your filter. Each tank is vented, so no vacuum or buildup of pressure.
     
  11. dajain

    dajain Light Load Member

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    Yup! 100% full. The tanks were about half according to the gauge. With the slope it's parked on, the right tank is now, clear up to the fill neck and about to over flow and fuel can't be seen in the left.
    The truck started and ran for about 2 minutes and then shut down and no fuel in the filter.

    I haven't looked too closely at that system yet, but it looks like I'll be getting a good look at it this weekend.


    I wouldn't think the slope was that steep either but both tanks were half when parked on level ground. Now, I can't see fuel in the left tank and the right tank is 100% full and about to start flowing out the fill cap.

    So, if the pick up in the tank is sucking air, that would also result in an empty filter housing, correct?
    Today, I'll put some air to her, pull her onto level ground and see what happens. I'll also keep you guys posted.
    I can't imagine this slope is too much for the truck fuel system, but it appears that way.
     
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