New Engine Start Up - First Fuel

[Auspoweng]

So, I have a new engine in my Sprinter and am ready for startup.

On cranking, the oil sensor light go out, so according to Haynes manual at least I have oil flow and can keep cranking away.

With a new Fuel Filter and empty fuel rack and pump, I do not know how long it takes (in cranking) for the first fuel to start coming through.

Should I fill the filter with diesel (i.e prime) first?

AusPowEng
413CDI Cab Chassis

[knighty]

yes, defiantly fill the filter with fuel first

what year is it ? if it's one of the later ones it will have an electric lift pump (can you hear it when you turn the ignition on?)

if it does have one, turn ignition on, wait 30 sec, turn off for then on again.... repeat that about 5 times and it will prime it all for you

if I were you I'd be tempted to crack an injector too just to make sure :-)

[Auspoweng]

Cheers Knighty...

Sprinter is 2002, 413CDI. I'll give the filter a prime.

After 2 months of slogging at the new engine install, I hope this puppy fires up.

[Aqua Puttana]

Originally Posted by Auspoweng

...
On cranking, the oil sensor light go out, so according to Haynes manual at least I have oil flow and can keep cranking away.

...

AusPowEng
413CDI Cab Chassis

Is the Haynes manual speaking in general terms? I know for a fact that NAFTA Sprinters do not come with OEM oil pressure sensors or switches. (That is a shortcoming in my opinion.)They do come with a low/high engine oil sump level indication. That means we have no idea whether we have oil pressure while cranking. You don't want to crank without oil pressure. Did you use assembly lube on the new bearings?

I've not learned much about EURO model Sprinters on the forums. Unlike the NAFTA models, they may have an oil pressure monitor capability? So FWIW. vic

[Auspoweng]

Aqua Puttana,

I didn't do the engine rebuild myself, so hope like hell the assembly lube was applied on the motor I bought.

...and I better have a good look at whether I am dealing with Oil Pressure sensors or just level as you indicated.

On the NAFTA Sprinters, how can you tell whether there is oil flow when cranking over a new engine?

[Auspoweng]

Originally Posted by knighty

yes, defiantly fill the filter with fuel first

what year is it ? if it's one of the later ones it will have an electric lift pump (can you hear it when you turn the ignition on?)

if it does have one, turn ignition on, wait 30 sec, turn off for then on again.... repeat that about 5 times and it will prime it all for you

if I were you I'd be tempted to crack an injector too just to make sure :-)

Knighty,

Has a look today and there is not relay wiring under the seat for an electric lift pump for the fuel. I assume there isn't one on my 2002 413CDI then. I need to pull of the uppder intake manifold and covers again to crack a fuel line...but my manuals have virtually nothing to explain what to do after a rebuild. The rail was empty, the pre-delivery and HP pumps were empty and I'm unsure how these is to be purged of air?

In the absence of a separate lift pump, what pulls in the fuel to the filter? Is it just the sunction on the fuel line from the pre-delivery pump?

[mean_in_green]

I believe so on pre 2003.

[Aqua Puttana]

Originally Posted by Auspoweng

Aqua Puttana,

...
On the NAFTA Sprinters, how can you tell whether there is oil flow when cranking over a new engine?

Pray??? vic

[Auspoweng]

I am not sure it is going to work....but here goes.

Our Mercedes Benz who art in Germany (or Argentina), hollowed be thy engine oil jacket, positive be thy oil pressure (and true be thy oil flow). Give us this oil, our vital oil, and forgive us for trying to fix it ourselves and bypassing your dealerships, as we forgive your dealerships for their outragous costs and slow delivery......

I am saying the words but honestly, I'm not sure I have enough faith.

[Auspoweng]

Folks,

Back to what I know so far.
1) Pre-delivery pump and filter are well primed.
2) Return lines from rail have flow.

No event a cough yet from the new engine and my two sets of workshop manuals say several things including:
- fault pre-heating.
- possible uncoded ignition key.
- fuel injection faults.

I have a full carsoft diagnositic software and interface in the box. Time to pull it out and see what it does perhaps?