AIR IN 8700 SYSTEM

[fordman25]

Hello
I have a ford 8700 diesel tractor. The line from the tank rubbed the frame and brought air into the system I repaired the line, bled the system many times, but I cannot get it running. I bypassed the fuel tank and used a 5 gallon racing gas can with a fitting and ran it directly to the lift pump. Bled it many many more times with no luck.
I put an electric pump between the fuel can and the fuel filters. The fuel filters are brand new. It was much easier to bleed with the electric fuel pump. I am now getting good fuel at the injectors, but after doing this for several days, it will not run. It will run with starting fluid until the starting fluid is gone. I cannot believe that this tractor will not run, It has been good for 10 years, no problems. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
 

[Tx Jim]

If your tractor doesn't have Dual-power I'd try and tow start it.
 

[showcrop]

I had a similar struggle with my 9000 this past summer, after changing filters. It started with having two gaskets at the top of the filters, which I corrected after awhile, but not before I buggered the fitting at the suction side of the lift pump. So my problem became one of sucking air, so it would run for a little bit then die. So I would look for a point where you are sucking air, and remember also that you need to be cranking fast enough. It can crank all day at 95% of adequate cranking speed without starting.
 

[fordman25]

Thanks for the replies,
I had not thought about towing it to start it. There still must be air in the system, but maybe it is not turning fast enough to start.
 

[Chris in SK]

Are you using the cold start button on the pump.....that sometimes helps?
 

[mite-help]

rack stuck--
 

[fordman25]

I have not tried the cold start button, did not even think of it.

What rack would be stuck?

Thanks for the replies.