Genie S-80 Deutz Diesel Engine Cranks but Won't Start

Symptoms

• Engine cranks normally with zero combustion or exhaust smoke
• Engine starts briefly while the key is held, but dies immediately when released
• Sputtering and dying on acceleration during cold weather

Possible Causes

• Defective or stuck engine fuel shutoff solenoid (EMR or fuel rack solenoid)
• Air ingress into the primary fuel filter housing or fuel supply lines
• Blown engine control run/start fuses in the platform/ground control cabinet (F5 or F12)
• Failed auxiliary lift pump refusing to prime the main injection pump loop

Diagnostic Procedure

1. 1
   Verify Main Engine Run/Start Power Delivery

   Open the ground control console access panel. Test the dynamic fuse block for continuity. Check voltage at the main ignition fuse (F5) and fuel solenoid fuse (F12) while turning the key switch to the RUN and CRANK positions. Both fuses must supply constant +12V.
2. 2
   Inspect the Fuel Shut-off Solenoid Operation

   Locate the fuel shutoff solenoid on the side of the Deutz engine block. With a helper cycling the key to the 'On' position, verify the solenoid makes a distinct physical clicking noise. If no click is heard, unplug the connector and verify +12 VDC on the pull coil wire during cranking.
3. 3
   Bleed and Inspect the Fuel Supply System

   Check for air bubbles in the fuel lines. Loosen the bleeder bolt on the top of the secondary fuel filter hub. Use the manual primer pump/bulb to force fuel through. If air continuously emerges, check for cracks in the plastic fuel pick-up tube inside the main fuel tank or cracked feed lines.
4. 4
   Measure Mechanical Fuel Lift Pump Pressure

   Locate the mechanical fuel transfer pump. Connect a low-pressure fuel gauge tee line on the output side of the lift pump. Crank the engine; pressure should rapidly rise to a specification of 8-15 PSI. If low, inspect pump pushrod operation or replace the lift pump.

Common Repairs

• Replacement of defective Deutz fuel shutoff solenoid unit
• Replacing cracked or degraded plastic main fuel lines and primer bulb
• Replacement of mechanical or electrical low-pressure fuel pump

Safety Precautions

• Keep hands, loose clothing, and long hair clear of rotating alternator belts/cooling fans during engine cranking tests
• Do not use highly volatile starting fluid spray (ether) near glow-plug equipped diesel engines
• Contain all expelled diesel fuel with spill pads; wipe up residue to prevent slip hazards

Required Tools

• Low-pressure Fuel Test Gauge (0-30 PSI)
• Digital Multimeter
• Deutz Engine Fuel Bleeding Tool

Related Fault Codes

Related Repair Cases

Loading…

Community Comments