diesel not starting after empty tank

[bengasman]

Managed to run my Mondeo diesel, mk 3, 52-plate,dry.
15 litre in it now so fuel-light has gone off.
When I start it, it will catch after a bit, run for 5 seconds and stall.
No prime pump or fuel cut off switch in sight.

 

[Steve]

I'm no mechanic, but . . . I'd try this: When its started, give it some revs for about 10-20 seconds. Then release. I mean about 3000-4000 revs, high for a diesel. This will get the diesel flowing. I'm sure someone will be along with a more educated approach.

 

[bengasman]

I would if I could, but like I said, it only runs for 5 seconds. if that.

 

[Estrella]

Don't they have a primer on top of teh diesel filter ? Looks a bit like a rubber doorstop, you pump away and it draws the fuel up from the tank.

 

[bengasman]

edited

 

[bengasman]

Was told by breakdown 'mechanic' this model does not have a manual pump.
not too sure about him as all he had was one of those little flatbeds and no tools in sight other than a set of jumpleads.
my previous mondeo had a manual primer, but if this one has it, it is inside or under something. Was hoping to find out this way rather than taking the car apart at the side of the road.
ford dealers and local diesel specialist normally need 3-4 days notice.

 

[Estrella]

Honest John site maybe worth a try Ben.

Admittedly its a few years since i was in the trade , so they may well have done away with manual primers.

 

[^neo^]

Might need to crack the injectors if you have got air in it.
Another way that sometimes works is to give it a few squirts of easy start and keep your foot flat out while cranking it

 

[bengasman]

Cracking injectors is not a skill I posess.
Tried the easy start 3 or 4 times, but it does not run for more than 5 seconds

 

[Belle427]

dont keep cranking it or you will burn the starter out,you can also damage the fuel pump by running it dry,you will need to bleed the air out at the filter which i think is on the left hand side of the engine at the rear,you may need a vacuum pump of some sort though,i have heard of people bleeding it manually though with a length of tube and a good strong suck!

 

[andyandy2]

If you haven't already sorted it, try removing the fuel filter and filling it full of clean fuel and then refitting it, should give enough fuel for the pump to pull fuel from the tank when started

 

[bengasman]

Just had somebody look at it and tried starting with start aid.
Injector feeds keep letting foam out after much bleeding and starting.
Conclusion seems to be that somehow air is getting into the pipes/pump.
Could be leak in fuel pipe or duff high pressure pump according to the chap who looked at it, and he seemed to know his stuff.

 

[^neo^]

it may be sucking air in through the filter. I'd give that a good looking at, making sure its sealed and properly bled, then try the easy start and injector bleeding.

 

[T5TDI]

Try disconnecting a battery lead overnight. I had a Ford Focus do that and it cured it. I think the electronics in the pump gets confused or perhaps it's to protect the pump in some way.

 

[bengasman]

had proper breakdown mechanic second time round who thought it was not an empty tank but a leak or duff pump....................
car will go to proper diesel specialist friday.

thanks to all for help