Won't start...any thoughts?

MightyQuinn · June 18, 2011, 08:36:58 AM

So, we just did an oil change and transmission fluid change. Now, she won't start. She turns over and comes very close to starting, then dies. Anyone have any words of wisdom? Yes, we are newbies.

Lin · June 18, 2011, 08:46:22 AM

You may have lost prime on the fuel pump. Did you change your fuel filters also? Oil pressure could be an issue too. You might want to include the details on your bus with the post. Good luck.

MightyQuinn · June 18, 2011, 08:49:58 AM

It's a 1966 GMC 8V71

We did change a fuel line recently. How do I prime the fuel pump?

robertglines1 · June 18, 2011, 09:21:03 AM

Make sure that line is smug. take fuel filter off. and make sure it is full of fuel if not fill. good luck! hope that works- if not there are other ways including putting a small automotive electric pump in line on supply line or filling garden sprayer with fuel to get started by splicing in fitting. then shut off and reattach fitting to tank and it should pick up. good luck.

robertglines1 · June 18, 2011, 09:30:54 AM

General location your at usually will bring local help and advice.

luvrbus · June 18, 2011, 09:41:08 AM

I remove a plug from the filter base and use a electric pump with hoses 1 from a fuel can the other to the filter pump for a couple of minutes then it is primed but first check the switches on the back in the right hand corner if you are getting no type smoke the fuel shut down is in the off position ran across that problem Fri on a 4106 GM the fuel shut down would not open from the rear the way someone had wired it

good luck

MightyQuinn · June 18, 2011, 11:28:50 AM

Thank you so much! We bled the system and it started right up. We appreciate all of your help, you're a lifesaver.

Ace · June 18, 2011, 03:20:11 PM

A better way and an easier method is to carry on board a cheap bug sprayer. Attach schrader valve to one end of the hose after you dispose of the original wand and attach it to the filter. Fill it with fuel and pump it up putting pressure on the system. Should start pretty easy. The bug sprayer can be carried taking up very little space in case you ever do need it again.

TomC · June 19, 2011, 03:40:23 AM

I watched Don Fairchild prime my engine after a fuel line change. The only place he used a priming pump was after the fuel pump to get the fuel through the engine (Don said that you can easily blow out the seals in the fuel pump with a priming pump-he chooses not to chance it). Then he meticulously undid all other fuel lines and slowly filled each one with fuel along with the fuel filters. He had to do the refilling of the fuel lines and the fuel filters about three times before the engine continued to run-but at least he didn't blow out the fuel pump! Good Luck, TomC

gus · June 19, 2011, 05:27:56 PM

Tom,

I know Don really knows his stuff and I don't pretend to have a smidgen of his expertise but I don't see how you can damage a mechanical fuel pump if you open a plug in the top of the primary filter until fuel begins to flow out of it?

Or if you apply suction to that same port.

luvrbus · June 19, 2011, 05:52:20 PM

Yea Gus I need to talk to Don about that one a fuel pump the seals are good for 75lbs I doubt a 5 lb electric pump or a garden sprayer is going to damage a fuel pump

good luck

Van · June 19, 2011, 06:05:02 PM

Ah! come on now! Lol! You know how the Donster is into the mechanical stuff, he just hates all that electrical wizardry