Diesel won't start after winter layup — run this list before you call anyone

Question

Every spring the same panicked calls. Before you pay a mechanic $180 to show up:

1. Fuel valve open? (Don't laugh. It's #1 for a reason.)
2. Crack an injector line, crank — no fuel? Bleed from the lift pump forward.
3. Stop solenoid stuck in 'stop' — tap it, check the cable.
4. Glow plugs actually getting voltage? Check with a test light, not faith.
5. Batteries: 12.2V cranks a gas engine, it does NOT crank a cold diesel with authority.

90% of 'dead' spring diesels are one of these five.

hatterashank · Answer

Number 3 got me for two days once. TWO DAYS. Tapped the solenoid with a winch handle and she lit right off. I tell no one in person, only strangers on the internet.

first_boat_bill · Answer

Saved. This is the content I'm here for.

riggerjim · Answer

Add 5b: clean the battery terminals even if they look fine. Voltage at the post means nothing if it dies at the cable.

Diesel won't start after winter layup — run this list before you call anyone

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