ISM, ISMe, and QSM11 – 005-011   Fuel Flow

Loosen the fuel line at the shutoff valve while the engine is cranking. If fuel does not come out of the connection, the pump must be primed.

Connect a pressure gauge to the quick disconnect fitting of the fuel pump.

Start cranking the engine, and observe the cranking fuel pressure.

Minimum Cranking Fuel Pressure

If the fuel pressure is below the specification, check to be sure there is a fuel supply to the pump and that it is not restricted. Refer to Procedure 006-020 in Section 6. Prime the fuel pump if necessary. Refer to Procedure 005-016 in Section 5.

Connect a 0 to 2068 kPa [0 to 300 psi] pressure gauge to the quick disconnect fitting to the fuel pump.

Minimum Fuel Pressure

Install a 457 mm [18 in] piece of clear tubing on the suction side of the gear pump or the fuel filter head. Tygon™ R-3603 is the correct size for use with standard Stratoflex™ Number 10 hose fittings.

Add the 457 mm [18 in] piece of clear tubing to the existing fuel suction line. Do not replace any portion of the suction line to install the 457 mm [18 in] piece of clear tubing.

Start the engine and allow the air to purge from the clear tubing. Air bubbles can not appear.

Shut off the engine, and observe the clear tubing.

Generally, an air space will appear in the clear tubing that is drawn from the top of the fuel filter.

Observe the fuel in the clear tubing. It will stop moving within 1 minute if the system is leak free. If the fuel continues to move toward the fuel tank, there is a leak in the system.

Observe from which direction air bubbles are coming into the clear tubing. If they are coming from the fuel tank side, the leak is in the cooling plate, fittings, fuel line, or fuel tank.

If the fuel did not move immediately, let the vehicle sit for about 1 hour. If there is no movement of the fuel, the system is sealed and will not cause a hard start due to drainback of the suction lines.

Remove the clear tubing, and connect the suction line back to its original connection.