Limped home last night

Zonie · **Posted:** Tue Mar 06, 2007 5:35 pm

My Libby, up to now running like a top, went into limp mode about 2 blocks from the house last night. I got it back in the garage @ about 5mph. No lights, no messages, just running minimal rpms sputtering along. I went out to start it in the morning and it was like nothing happened. Drove it all day: nothing!

It's also suddenly starts much harder (and this is Phoenix) "one-thousand-five" count before it catches. The typical start was "one-thousand-one" on warm days. 13K on the car. Running B20

Two questions: What might be happening?
Should I bother to take it in?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Mar 06, 2007 5:42 pm

Check for a leak in the fuel system. While it is off, prime the diesel pump which is right next to the Master Cylinder. Pump it 4-6 times and then watch for bubbles or fuel from the sensors on the fuel filter housing. They have been known to leak at the fuel heater sensor. If it does, take it to the dealer and show them. It will start easier after you prime it also.

DO NOT TELL the dealer you are running anything BIO... :!:

In fact top off your tank with regular Dino Diesel to dilute any Bio you have in the tank already...just to be safe.

Zonie · **Posted:** Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:00 am

Thanks for the suggestion and the specific directions! No bubbles, liquid or even smell. Start up the same, maybe even worse.

Now what?! Glow plugs?

BTW I know better than to dance into a dealership with a tankful of bio! I figured I'd have to drive another 300 miles and fill up to get the fuel mixture down to specs.

BLake · **Posted:** Wed Mar 07, 2007 12:59 pm

Did you bleed the filter? Pump 5-10 times, open the bleed screw, close bleep screw. Pump 5-10 times, repeat until steady stream of fuel comes out of bleeder. You will need an 11mm or 7/16 wrench for the bleed screw. You will feel a distinct change in pressure needed on the pump when it is pumping fuel, not air.

I'll bet a donut that the filter is full of air. Scan for codes if you have a scanner. I don't remember the code but it was for Fuel Leak-Large.

Zonie · **Posted:** Wed Mar 07, 2007 2:09 pm

Location of the bleed screw?

If there's air in the filter, will it continue to happen? Indicates a leak in the system? Take it to the dealer?

BVCRD · **Posted:** Wed Mar 07, 2007 2:33 pm

Zonie wrote:

Location of the bleed screw?

If there's air in the filter, will it continue to happen? Indicates a leak in the system? Take it to the dealer?

It looks like an oversized brake bleeder nipple, and is located on the side of the filter housing facing the center of the engine bay. You could have a leak. Check hose clamps. Unplug the 2 wire connectors on the front of the housing and while it is under pressure, check inside and all around this for bubbles. If it is leaking, take it to the dealer. If it is out of warranty, you can buy the part and change it yourself. Once you have the air out, and there are no leaks, it should be OK.

Zonie · **Posted:** Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:56 pm

Found it, followed your steps (THANKS!) and found a whisp of air. It was pumping
pure fuel almost instantly. Seems to be starting more easily. Maybe it just liked the attention?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sat Mar 10, 2007 2:22 pm

Zonie wrote:

Found it, followed your steps (THANKS!) and found a whisp of air. It was pumping
pure fuel almost instantly. Seems to be starting more easily. Maybe it just liked the attention?

Most nipples do...

AZScout · **Posted:** Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:06 pm

just had to post ...

Limped home last night

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