[Richard]

Not all Newells are alike. You may not have the priming knob on the tank, so use the priming button on the fuel filter. You cannot overprime. The excess will simply flow back into the tank via the fuel return line off the back of the engine. I would remove the filter and fill with clean diesel again. It is likely you drained the filter after the first sputter and stall.

Since some coaches did, and some coaches don’t have an echo charger. The safe thing is crank the generator, and merge the batteries. Confirm they are merged with the voltmeter because the merge solenoid can go bad over time, and prevent connection of the battery banks.


With the new information you supplied:
I would first make sure the chassis batteries were charged. Refill the fuel filter. Ensure that you prime the heck out of the fuel system. See if it cranks. If it cranks and starts to sputter, turn it off immediately, and prime again. There are start stop switches in the rear electrical compartment. Turn the key ON to use them.

If that doesn’t get it going, then the force prime with the bug sprayer would be my next move.

[Ole]

I filled up the Primary filter (which was half full) and reinstalled. Tried starting and seemed like it would almost go but didn't start. I primed and kept trying after priming (pushing button on primary filter 50+ times each time). My questions is, should I try to get to the secondary filter under the engine and do the same (fill it up)? Richard, I know you suggested to prime using the 2 gallon sprayer and attach it to filter which I'm planning to do on Monday once I get all the tools-hoping I can figure it out.

[Richard]

Yes prime both filters. Prime the primary again, you may find it half empty again

Is the primer button getting harder to push the more times you push it?

[Ole]

I don’t think so. I couldn’t feel the difference. I will try filling both. Thanks Richard

[Ole]

Today I started working on trying to get it running. I filled the primary fuel filter and tried starting it. The first few times I primed the heck out of it with the black button each time and it wouldn’t start. Then I unscrewed the primary filter and noticed it was down to about 1/3 full so ai tried filling it up again, primed it and nothing. I did this about 8 times, filling the primary and trying to start it but nothing. I couldn’t get to
The secondary as my coach is sitting very low. I’ve read that ether is bad and last resort so I only tried using very little and it started for a few seconds (about 10) and then shut down. I checked the filter and it was at about 1/3 again. I will try to make a priming device as described by Richard next and see if I can figure it out but it’s as if fuel isn’t getting to the primary filter from the fuel tank?

[Richard]

The priming device (2 gallon bug sprayer) has two purposes in a case like yours.

The first is that pressurizing the intake side of the filters guarantees that the filters and lines up to the injectors will be full of fuel.

The second is that it eliminates the fuel supply line and its potential failures as the culprit.

If it runs on the bug sprayer supply, but loses prime when you reconnect the fuel line, then you know the problem is between the tank and the fuel filter.

Your comment about the priming button not firming up could be a clue. That may be that the priming mechanism itself is leaking air, and that is the problem. Or it could mean that the fuel line is leaking air or blocked.

Regardless it’s a guessing game that sends you down a path of maybees. I am sure there are other ways of diagnosing this problem. I have proposed one that will provide definitive data.

[Ole]

Thanks again Richard. I will try to prime the system as you describe. I just don’t know where (intake) I should tap into once I have it. I posted 3 pictures of my primary filter setup but I only see the larger line coming from the tank and smaller leading to fuel pump. There’s a smaller return from the pump going back to the filter in top. Anyway, if you know where you would recommend installing please let me know. Thanks again.

[Richard]

The line from the tank. Take the line from the tank to the filter housing loose. Use the home made fittings to attach the hose from the bug sprayer to the intake of the filter. If plumbing is not your forte. Remove the male fitting on the filter intake. Take it with you to ACE hardware. Hand the dude the fitting and tell hime you need to get from that to the bug sprayer. Get everything at one place and put it together before you leave ACE