newatthis wrote:
hi i have a complicated question and would really appreciate any info. I just recieved a 1982 chevy luv with the diesel in it. It ran as of a year ago but was hard to start. Today i tried to pull start it for several blocks to no avail just a little black smoke. Here are some facts.. 1. the battery was totally dead however the key was in the on posistion. 2. the fuel line from the tank to the fuel filter was dry. 3. the fuel line leaving the fuel filter going to the injector pump had fuel in it and i did pump the manual primer on top of the filter. 4. the fuel was really old not sure if that matters or not. 5. the truck will not turn over on its own even with a good battery but i do get dash lights(starter maybe). All that said im not sure what would be going on....maybe the injector pump? and a starter? Also does the injector pump pull the fuel from the fuel tank or is there a electric fuel pump in the tank or on the frame somewhere. You guys are so helpful thanks for any help you might be able to give!!!!
1. Without using glow plugs (dead battery), it may not start no matter how long you pull it. I've heard of people cold-starting them without glow plugs, but I've never done it with mine. Some people resort to ether, but this is VERY risky since too much can ruin your engine. Please, please don't do that.
2. & 3. The fuel line from the tank to the filter should drip fuel when disconnected from the filter. Priming it should pull fuel in, but it's not effective unless you open the bleed valve on the filter assembly. It should be a screw on the side of the filter--not the petcock, that's for draining water out. Even so, if you had fuel from the filter to the pump, I think it should start and run briefly, if you have glow plugs and good compression.
4. Old fuel wouldn't help you, but I've heard of these things starting after sitting five years. It will likely clog your filter really quickly after you get it running. And speaking of filters, a clogged one will keep it from running well, and could even keep it from running. But your first filter will likely have a short life. They run about $20 at AutoZone.
5. It takes a fairly strong battery due to the higher compression. That said, you should check the condition of the battery and starter cables, especially ground connections. If you have those clamp-on cable ends, they're terrible about getting corroded. The battery cables on this are pretty heavy, too. I think they're 6-gauge, but I'm not sure. When battery terminal clamp corroded beyond repair, the Isuzu dealer wanted $72 for a new one. I got one custom-made for about $22, and they used 2-gauge cable. I have not had a battery problem since, and that was several years ago.
I would rule out all other possibilities before suspecting the injection pump to be a problem. They are very dependable. And yes, they pull the fuel from the tank, there is no auxiliary pump or lift pump. Some owners have added pumps, but a healthy Injection Pump shouldn't need it.
In addition to this forum, you could probably find some good help over at the IsuzuPup.com forum.
Jack
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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.comIsuzuPup.com