fuel system leak

[strada-caster]

so, I've been having a bump and chug (white smoke) start in the morning for quite a while. I've narrowed it down to air in the fuel system somewhere.
This last weekend, I proved that, but was unable to solve it just yet.

I'f I prime my fuel filter (alot), I can here a slight air leak(constant stream sound, not bubbling sound) from somewhere around the injection pump. I'm fairly certain its air as I cannot find a fuel leak anywhere (IP covered in dust, makes it easy to spot the smallest fuel leak as it would propegate quickly). My question being, what is the most likely cause for an air leak? and what location is that?

I just replaced the IP main shaft fuel seal, no leak there.
Can return lines do this?

May be the hand pump causes the problem?

maybe..But seems to be in good working order.

[strada-caster]

I'm also thinking this might be caused by valve timing.

any thoughts?

[NAKAMI]

As far as I know, after years it doesn`t work properly and lets the air into the system. It is a common problem and we usually just replace it.

[strada-caster]

As far as I know, after years it doesn`t work properly and lets the air into the system. It is a common problem and we usually just replace it.

I put some clear fuel line from the pump to the IP and tested that for a while. never once did I see air in that tube. I will eliminate it from my list, but could always be a problem for someone else. Cheers.

[Strada 92]

I've just install an electrical lift pump and the problem is now solved.
I've install it so when i pull the choke knob the pump turn on and when i release the knob the pump turn off.
Made with a micro-switch,relay,fuse,etc...
Works very well.

[strada-caster]

hmmmm. now you have me thinking again...maybe my IP lift pump can create a vacuum to get fuel there, but not hold pressure for the IP to work correctly. I never measured anything, only have visual confirmation.

did you buy a pump from a store? if so
brand?
model number?
price?

appreciated.
thanks

[Strada 92]

I've bought it on Ebay.
It's one like this:http://www.ebay.ca/itm/low-pressure-fue ... 4aaefb2201
For now,it works really good.I was not sure if an electrical lift pump would work,so i start with a low cost one.Specification are almost the same as i give you on another post.
The only little thing I dislike a bit is that the ends are 3 / 8.Works good anyway.Maybe you should choose one with 5/16 tubing tips.

[strada-caster]

So I installed an inline fuel pump last week. I have not seen any improvement whatsoever.
Still have the white/grey smoke in the morning
still have bad fuel economy
still have loss of power

This weekend I will:
-check my valve clearances
-install a manual glowplug switch

If these do not make any improvements,
Looks like I'm headed the way of the IP rebuild. :(
I can get the IP flow and pressure tested at a place in town. that will tell me if its the culprit.

[Strada 92]

Mine is alright but i change the switching of the lift pump.Now the signal for the relay is coming from the glow plugs.So,when glow plugs works,the pump works.

[TardisDeli]

I vote for air leak. Replace any rubber O rings on the IPO pump. On the L300s (I know you have Strada) there is a little one (maybe a centimetre diameter) on the bottom that dies with similar symptoms. If your problem was fixed by the clear piping, then look carefully where you attached it, that is probably where the air leak is, add an or ring and metal screw clips. Chris.

[Strada 92]

The problem is back! We had a first night at around zero degree celsius and the misfires are back again.Start like new but after 30-60 seconde, cough begins.After that,all is ok,runs really well.
Probably it's time to rebuild the pump...

[strada-caster]

I vote for air leak. Replace any rubber O rings on the IPO pump. On the L300s (I know you have Strada) there is a little one (maybe a centimetre diameter) on the bottom that dies with similar symptoms. If your problem was fixed by the clear piping, then look carefully where you attached it, that is probably where the air leak is, add an or ring and metal screw clips. Chris.

I have the exact same engine/IP/transmission driveline etc. as the L300's. On the bottom of the IP is somewhere hard to get to. Is this O-ring a simple o-ring and retainer so I could take it off/replace blindly. Or is there a spring that will shoot out and I will never find it again?

I replaced all fuel lines (except for the hard lines) on the weekend, all went on no problem except for the return lin from the engine to the IP. At the IP it was hard to seal, had to continue using the old clamps since the crappy wormgear clamps wouldn't clamp hard enough without breaking. I hope this has done something but I've put on almost 200km since and doesn't look promising so far.

Also put in a manual glowplug switch, since my GP controller doesn't cycle after the engine starts, this definitely makes a difference in the morning starts, but obvisouly won't make a difference while driving.

I know there is and IP schematic somewhere on here(I don't think i bookamrked it though), if anybody did, please forward it as I know lots of subjects will come up in a search.
THANKS

[strada-caster]

The problem is back! We had a first night at around zero degree celsius and the misfires are back again.Start like new but after 30-60 seconde, cough begins.After that,all is ok,runs really well.
Probably it's time to rebuild the pump...

Mine starts great too but coughs..manual glow plug switch has helped that problem. A few more cold morning tests will tell me if that is the solution there.

If your truck runs fine, no loss of power, no drop in fuel economy, I would never even think about spending money on the IP (at least not a full rebuild). pay great attention to when your glowplugs are on. if the truck is fine at start up for 40 seconds or whatever but then coughs for a little bit, then runs fine afterwards, I'd say glow plug controller has stopped for the coughing period. try a manual switch, see what happens.

EDIT: TEST THE TEMP SENSOR THAT IS LINKED TO THE GLOWPLUG CONTROLLER. MMAYBE THAT IS SENDING A 'HOT ENOUGH' SIGNAL TOO EARLY AND THE CONTROLLER STOPS CYCLING THE PLUGS....COUGH COUGH

[strada-caster]

The problem is back! We had a first night at around zero degree celsius and the misfires are back again.Start like new but after 30-60 seconde, cough begins.After that,all is ok,runs really well.
Probably it's time to rebuild the pump...

On the strada fuel tank, there are fuel lines and a one-way valve on top of the tank. If those aren't sealed, would an air leak there cause the same symptoms as an air leak in the main lines?

[Strada 92]

Problem found.The water drain plug was not air tight.So lot of air was entering in the system.
I replace the water sensor assembly and now all is ok.