not starting after filter change

[firstimedesiel]

Hi All. I am new to Diesel engines.... as such, I think I made a BIG mistake today! My 03 F250 superduty with the 6.0 powerstroke engine started losing power and stalling. After reading a few threads on this site I decided to clean the EGR valve and change both fuel filters. All 3 by the way were VERY badly clogged. So now I can't get the truck to start! I didn't know that you had to cycle the key, and just started to crank it with no luck. Killed the 2 new batteries trying to get it to turn over. I took the top fuel filter cover off (broke it the 1st time around) and do not get any fuel to the bowl. Is there a reset switch or did I kill the fuel pump? Any ideas on how to tell? I need to be at work Monday morning so I have 1 day to get this thing done if possible. Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance.

[dhanna6powerstroke]

Doesn't sound like the pump is running if there is no fuel in fuel bowl. Has to have a minimum of 45 PSI to start. Really needs to be around 48-55.

[firstimedesiel]

I key the ignition and do not hear the fuel pump. I put my hand on the case and feel nothing. The bowl does not fill up with fuel at all! The fuel pump fuse is OK and everything else seems fine.... but how could a fuel filter change kill my fuel pump?

[dhanna6powerstroke]

Originally Posted by firstimedesiel

I key the ignition and do not hear the fuel pump. I put my hand on the case and feel nothing. The bowl does not fill up with fuel at all! The fuel pump fuse is OK and everything else seems fine.... but how could a fuel filter change kill my fuel pump?

If the filters were that restricted, I would say the pump was already on it's way out. Pull the filter on the frame back out and reinstall it. Sometimes it doesn't get seated properly and can cause your issue. Did you use Motor Craft filters? If not, get them.

[firstimedesiel]

Thanks for the reply. After reading these forums I made sure to get Motor Craft filters so that is not the issue. I did use deisel fuel (as opposed to engine oil) to lube up the new o ring.... so I will try take your advise in the AM and see what happens. The previous owner was not able to get the cap off of the primary fuel filter and never changed it. I purchased the correct socket and took it off in no time, only to find a very dark and crusty filter. Any chance the old filter released debries into the fuel pump when I changed it? I feel as though I killed my first desiel engine just by changing the filters! Gas engines are easy for me... but desiel is new... so I am trying to learn as I go.

[dhanna6powerstroke]

Originally Posted by firstimedesiel

Thanks for the reply. After reading these forums I made sure to get Motor Craft filters so that is not the issue. I did use deisel fuel (as opposed to engine oil) to lube up the new o ring.... so I will try take your advise in the AM and see what happens. The previous owner was not able to get the cap off of the primary fuel filter and never changed it. I purchased the correct socket and took it off in no time, only to find a very dark and crusty filter. Any chance the old filter released debries into the fuel pump when I changed it? I feel as though I killed my first desiel engine just by changing the filters! Gas engines are easy for me... but desiel is new... so I am trying to learn as I go.

You didn't hurt anything. Unfortunately, you're finding out what happens when there is a lack of maintenance. Could try smacking the pump and seeing if it kicks on also.