Restarting Reefer after running it out of fuel

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Great! Ill check it out right now. Thanks!

 

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

 

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.

 

Try ether, that'll get her fired up!