Tractor Repair: Diesel tractor out of fuel, restart problem, electric fuel pump, injector lines

Question
I forgot to turn the fuel petcock on and ran the diesel farm tractor out of fuel.  Trouble restarting.  I'm guessing vapor lock.  What now.  There must be a  procedure to follow.

Answer
Hello,

  Yes, it's always a lot of fun when a diesel is run out of fuel.  It's not vapor lock, just trapped air from running the injection pump and lines out of fuel.  After turning on the petcock, bleed the fuel filters first.  You didn't say what kind of tractor it is, so the procedure for that varies alot by the type of fuel system.  Some systems don't have a bleed screw for the filters, so the filters have to be filled with fuel and then installed.  Others have an electric fuel pump, and all you have to do is turn on the key switch and wait a few minutes for it to bleed itself.  Others have a manual pump that you pump by hand.  Anyway, after the filters are bled, you will have to bleed the injector lines.  Loosen the injector line fittings at the injectors and crank the engine like you're trying to start it.  Air and foam will be pushed out at the injectors, bleeding the injection pump and the lines.  Do this at ALL the injectors. When fuel comes out with no foam or bubbles, tighten the injector fittings again.  It should start right up.  If not, repeat it again.  Some systems are harder to bleed than others.  Massey Fergusons are the worst.

                    Good luck,

                          Arnie