'59 Ford 881D diesel fuel pump

robj · May 23, 2010

Hi everyone- I'm new to this site and these tractors. I'm looking to buy my buddy's '59 881D. It was running when parked about two years ago but will not start now. The glow plugs appear to be operating. We have good fuel flow to the pump but only a slight dribble from the pump outlet when cranking. Any suggestions or experience any of you have for this problem, these tractors and engines would be appreciated. Thanks.

awhtx · May 23, 2010

I have never had any luck trying to bleed the pump and lines on my 861D. I just give it a quick shot of ether and once it starts it self-bleeds.

robj · May 23, 2010

Hi awhtx- We tried the ether and it just made in chug and knock without starting. Tried following the bleeding technique in the manual without any luck. Is there anything in the pump that can fail from sitting that might cause this? Seals?

john_Bud · May 23, 2010

How loose did you loosen the lines at the injectors? Did you do more than one at a time?

robj · May 23, 2010

We loosened all of the injector lines and cranked the engine. Fuel dribbled out of each. it didn't matter how loose they were, all we got was a dribble. The one thing I didn't mention is the starter button isn't working. We are jumping from battery positive to the starter. I don't know if that matters.

awhtx · May 24, 2010

If you are causing the engine to "chug and knock" you are using way too much ether. If the engine is cranking over quickly with a strong battery it only takes a very short shot of ether into the air filter to start. Once it starts on the ether it should quickly bleed the air out of the lines and begin running on diesel. It sounds like you may have other problems- bad fuel, no compression?

showcrop · May 24, 2010

I had a problem for some time starting mine, until one day while "jumping" it, I noticed that the battery ground was heating up. I tightened it, it spun faster, and ever since has fired right up. Try cleaning your connections. There could be corrosion or carbon or both after sitting.

john_Bud · May 24, 2010

(quoted from post at 21:18:31 05/23/10) We loosened all of the injector lines and cranked the engine. Fuel dribbled out of each. it didn't matter how loose they were, all we got was a dribble. The one thing I didn't mention is the starter button isn't working. We are jumping from battery positive to the starter. I don't know if that matters.

That is NOT the way to do it. At least, it's not the complete way. After you verify that fuel is pumping through the pump, finger tighten all the lines but the longest one. It is finger tight minus just enough to allow it to dribble out a [u:46bc2de897]very[/u:46bc2de897] small amount of fuel. Cranking for 45-60 seconds (use a watch) will get the air out. WHILE cranking in the last 5 seconds, tighten the fitting. Then wait 5 min for the starter to cool and repeat with the next injector.

Just loosening them all (or loosening them too far) does nothing at all but waste time. After each pulse of fuel, the line will suck back in some air leaving you just as air filled as before you started.

Larry Wallace · May 24, 2010

I'm pretty new to tractoring myself, (Consider myself to be Tractor Rookie and owner of a 961 Diesel), but there is supposed to be a place on your fuel injection pump which acts as a window to see if your pump shaft is spinning. If the shaft is not spinning then you may have an injection pump problem which may account for the fuel dribble mentioned. Be advised that I'm guessing about what may be the problem! Somebody more knowledgeable please jump in but the "window" is covered up by what looks like a slotted screw.
I hope this is not the problem and you've already got her figured out by the time you read this. Good Luck

robj · May 29, 2010

Thanks to all for the advice. I tried all of the suggestions and it still won't start. It does nothing with starting fluid except slow the cranking. I put a new fuel filter and topped the tank with fuel. This again made no difference. The temp here is about 80 and we ran the manifold heaters until the manifold was hot to the touch. Again, no difference. Getting pretty frustrated! This thing should run, but it doesn't! Looking at having a diesel mechanic come and take a look. Just out of ideas.

'59 Ford 881D diesel fuel pump

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awhtx

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