Cummins 400 ISL will not start

[yudamann]

My coach sat unused for 3 months. Fuel was topped off before storing. It now will not start. I have used the Cummins priming procedure, bump starter, allow fuel recirculation pump to run for 30 sec.; repeat 6 times, then crank for no more than 30 seconds. Did this 5 times, still no start. Then replaced the fuel filter and the fuel/water separator and started the prime procedure again. After 3 cycles, still will not start. I cannot hear the fuel recirculation pump running during the 30 second wait period. Could this be my problem, no fuel pump operation? Is there a fuse or relay that I could check for this? Where is pump located? Coach is '05 Allegro Bus 38TGP. Need help to start trip next week.

[Diplomat Don]

yudaman....Unscrew the filter with the drain and see if there is any fuel in it. If not, you may have a problem. Everytime I've changed my filters and followed the priming procedure I couldn't get the darn thing to start. I will start filling the filters with fuel in the future.

If you are getting fuel into the filter with the drain, do the prime procedure and then unscrew the drian and you'll hear it suck air and dribble a little. I had to do this several times on previous filter changes to get it to fill and start.

Just remember, don't crank the starter for more than 20-30 seconds at a time.

If you don't have fuel in the filter I would check for a fuse for the pump. Mine is really loud and I can here it pumping. Lastly, did you check the tank/gauge to make sure someone didn't siphon out your fuel.

[yudamann]

Thanks DD. I will check the fuel tank to see if the 150 gallons are still there. I filled both fuel filter and the fuel/water separator to the brim w/ fresh diesel fuel today before starting the second round of 7 priming events. I have no fuel cloud or odor from the tailpipe when I am cranking, so believe it is in the pump system and no fuel is getting to the cylinders. I will have to hunt to find a switch that may be "off", bad fuse or relay that may be the problem.

[Steve Ownby]

Hey Yudamann,

You might try to spray some starter fluid in the intake & see if that makes it fire momentarily. Check your owners manual to make sure starter fluid is allowed with your engine. If a heater grid used on your engine starter fluid is not recommended.

Steve O

[yudamann]

I think that clogged fuel filter & fuel/water separator are eliminated from the problem. Filter housings are full of fresh diesel fuel. I can't prime because one of the pumps does not work. I think it is the electric transfer pump near the tank. I would appreciate a response from anyone that knows where this pump is located on 2005 Freightliner chassis and where the fuse/breaker or relay is located so that I can troubleshoot the pump.

[Gary RVRoamer]

You can find out if the lift pump (the primary between filters and tank) is working by running the priming cycle briefly with the primary (water separator) filter off. Fuel ought to gush out. You will want a helper to cycle the key while you watch.