C13 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Fuel System - Prime Caterpillar

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Fuel leaked or spilled onto hot surfaces or electrical components can cause a fire. To help prevent possible injury, turn the start switch off when changing fuel filters or water separator elements. Clean up fuel spills immediately.

If the fuel system runs out of fuel, or if air is introduced into the fuel system, the following procedure may be followed.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.

2. Fill the fuel tank with clean diesel fuel.
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   Illustration 1	g01927544

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   Illustration 2	g01927558
   View of area A (1) Fuel regulator valve (2) Fuel return line from cylinder head (3) Air purge

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   Illustration 3	g01927569
   (4) Fuel priming pump

3. Turn the priming valve (If Equipped) to the "Closed (Prime)" position in order to prime the fuel system.

4. Purging air from the fuel system requires the air purge to be opened three full turns. Open air purge (3). Do not remove the screw.
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   NOTICE
   Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking the engine again.

5. Crank the engine for 30 seconds. Use a suitable container to catch the fuel while you crank the engine. Allow the starting motor to cool for 2 minutes.

   Note: Most of the air should be purged from the system after four or five cranking cycles.

6. Repeat Step 5 until the engine starts and runs. If the engine runs rough, continue to operate the engine at low idle until the engine runs smoothly.

7. Observe air purge (3). When a small drop of fuel appears at the threads of the air purge, close and tighten air purge (3).

   Note: Failure to tighten all fittings could result in serious fuel leaks.

8. After the engine has operated smoothly for 30 seconds, turn the priming valve to the "Open (Run)" position.

   Note: Shortened injector life may occur if the priming valve is left in the "Closed (Prime)" position.

9. Clean any residual fuel from the engine components.

10. Once the engine runs smoothly, stop the engine. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

    Note: You may use the hand priming pump for the fuel filter (if equipped) instead of cranking the engine and running the engine. Perform the following procedure when the hand priming pump is used:

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    Illustration 4	g01451302
    (1) Fuel priming pump (2) Air purge (3) Priming valve (If Equipped)

    1. Turn the priming valve (3) (If Equipped) to the "Closed (Prime)" position in order to prime the fuel system.

    2. Purging air from the fuel system requires the air purge (2) for the fuel filter to be opened three full turns. Open air purge (2). Do not remove the screw.

    3. While you operate the hand priming pump, observe the air purge (2). When a small drop of fuel appears at the threads of the air purge, close and tighten the air purge (2).

       Note: Failure to tighten all fittings could result in serious fuel leaks.

    4. Clean any residual fuel from the engine components.

    5. Continue to operate the fuel priming pump (1) until a strong resistance is felt. Listen for an audible click from the fuel manifold. The click will indicate that the valve has opened and the fuel system is pressurized. Lock the fuel priming pump.
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       NOTICE
       Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking again.

    6. Crank the engine. If the engine starts but the engine runs rough, continue to operate the engine at low idle until the engine runs smoothly.

       Note: If the engine will not start, further priming is necessary. If the engine starts but the engine continues to misfire or smoke, further priming is necessary.

    7. After the engine has operated smoothly for 30 seconds, turn the priming valve (3) to the "Open (Run)" position.

       Note: Shortened injector life may occur if the priming valve (3) is left in the "Closed (Prime)" position.