Hard Starting M818

[Sparky11]

I have an M818 and this fall it began to take a little more cranking to get it started. It progressed to where it would not start at all; the colder weather doesn`t help, but I suspect there is something else going on. I checked the fuel and it is clean and no water. I replaced the fuel filter/water separator, no change. Then I replaced the fuel line that runs between the fuel filter and the fuel pump (on the engine that feeds the injectors). I noticed that the fuel priming pump was ineffective so I used a hand vacuum pump, this worked well. The engine started (had to use ether), but even after warming up the throttle response was poor and there was little power. I was thinking that maybe the fuel priming pump or line may be leaking and allowing air into the fuel system and acting as a vacuum break. Any ideas of what else to consider?

 

[crasheej]

You got a line that is letting air in. Check the rubber lines at the tank slector vavle by the hand brake. Replaced the hoses on mine some time ago that fixed it

 

[Warthog]

Read the "Rebuilding Selector Valve" thread. The o-rings in the valve dry out and allow air in the system. The hoses crack and allow air in.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?76086-5-ton-fuel-tank-selector-valve-cleaning-rebuild

 

[5tonman1971]

Check the fuel lines I almost bet it's loosing prime and sucking air we had an 818 doing the same thing and we just replaced the lines and it's fine now

 

[doghead]

Replace the primer lines too. Clean the primer check balls and seats and replace it's oring. Make it work properly.

Rebuild the tank selector valve.

 

[Sparky11]

All, thanks for the info. I know where to start now…if it ever stops snowing.

 

[joesco]

My big culprit was a crushed fuel line under the spare tire carrier. I also found leaks in and around the primer pump and filter housing.