Bleed Fuel System For 350B w/ Two Stage Filter

[beakes]

I have a 350B diesel crawler/loader with the two stage fuel filter. (The manual says these are in the early units.) The owners manual gives instructions on how to bleed the single stage fuel filter found in the later units which is easy because the single stage filter has bleed screws but does not give instructions for bleeding the early units.

I am replacing the starter with a new high-torque starter so I need to replace the fuel transfer pump (so the starter will fit) and I will need to bleed the system. What are the steps to do this? The two stage fuel filter has 4 "plugs" (2 on the bottom and two on the top). Do I use the two plugs on the bottom to flush the filters and the two on the top to bleed the filters? It looks like these plugs require a 10pt socket or wrench. Is that true? If so, where do I get this wrench/socket? Also, do I need to bleed the fuel lines at the injectors too?

Thanks.

[KenP]

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[beakes]

Thanks Ken.
The dual filters were used in diesel 350Bs up through serial #191713.
I thought the plugs were metal (mine were painted over) and now I know they are plastic. So I don't need a 10pt socket

Good idea about replacing the filters now. I don't like that the last person who replaced the filters used permatex to seal them in place. Good thing the sediment bowls and plastic plugs are still available. Hope it comes apart easy...

[KenP]

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[beakes]

I got the fuel filter apart yesterday without problems. The only place permatex was used was between the filter elements and the lower o-ring. Ordered new filters, plugs, seals from jdparts.com to put it back together.

I also tried the drain valve on the fuel tank sump and found the plumbing, valve, and drain line clogged with sediment. I took apart this assembly too and cleaned out the sediment in the fuel tank sump. I will check the tank outlet strainer and fuel return before I put it all back together.

I'm hoping after doing all this (including the new starter which started it all) that the machine starts easier. This all started (no pun intended) with a stubborn starting engine and a starter that would sometimes spin free after turning the engine one or two revolutions. I'll let you know...

[beakes]

I put the 350b back together today. New high-torque starter, new fuel lift pump (so the starter will fit), new fuel filters, bled the fuel system up to the input of the injector pump.

While I had everything open, I replaced the engine wiring harness. I couldn't bend the old wires without cracking the insulation and a few of the wires had been "repaired" with those blue splice connectors. A new harness from JD was only $150 (with tax and shipping).

She fired right up and runs great. Thanks to all for your responses to this and other posts which answered all my other questions.