Besides bleeding, what else can I do to remedy air in the diesel fuel system?

They work with high pressures if the pump is only pumping enough to get fuel but not spray. The pump could be bad or you have alot of air in the lines. Bleed the lines first. Get all the air out of each line and this will prime the system. Then it should work if it was air. If not pump issue or injectors are clogged and need to be rebuilt or replaced. Try bleeding the air out. My guess is you ran out of fuel or did something else happen

Petrol filter will need checking for leaks after replacement but not need bleeding.

A diesel filter does need some special attention. Early systems with a conventional diesel injection pump need bleeding if the facility to do so is provided. Lots of systems weren't fitted with hand priming pumps and in that case the filter had to be prefilled before or after fitting by whatever means could be devised. Lots of modern vehicles are fitted with hand priming pumps that ease the task tremendously and such pumps are available in the aftermarket for retrofitting - it is an excellent investment of time and money.

A very few diesel vehicles were fitted with an in-tank pump that will automatically prime the fuel system.

we dont have this engine here, USA.
but i have the WG jeep book,
starting page 12 , chapter 14


FUEL INJECTION PUMP BLEEDING
(1) If the fuel injection pump has been replaced,
air should be bled at the overflow valve before
attempting to start engine.
(a) Loosen the overflow valve (Fig. 18) at the
rear of the injection pump.
(b) Place a towel below the valve.
WARNING: WHEN CRANKING THE ENGINE TO
BLEED AIR FROM THE INJECTION PUMP, THE
ENGINE MAY START. PLACE THE TRANSMISSION
IN NEUTRAL OR PARK AND SET PARKING BRAKE
BEFORE ENGAGING THE STARTER MOTOR.
CAUTION: Do not engage the starter motor for
more than 30 seconds at a time. Allow 2 minutes
between cranking intervals.
(2) Crank the engine for 30 seconds at a time to
allow air trapped in the injection pump to vent out
the fuel injector drain tubes. Continue this procedure
until the engine starts. Observe the previous WARNING
and CAUTION.
(3) Tighten overflow valve.
HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINE BLEEDING
WARNING: THE INJECTION PUMP SUPPLIES HIGH-
-PRESSURE FUEL OF APPROXIMATELY 45,000 KPA
(6,526 PSI) TO EACH INDIVIDUAL INJECTOR
THROUGH THE HIGH-PRESSURE LINES. FUEL
UNDER THIS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE CAN PENETRATE
THE SKIN AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES AND ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING AND AVOID CONTACT WITH
FUEL SPRAY WHEN BLEEDING HIGH-PRESSURE
FUEL LINES.
WARNING: DO NOT BLEED AIR FROM THE FUEL
SYSTEM OF A HOT ENGINE. DO NOT ALLOW FUEL
TO SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHEN
BLEEDING AIR FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Bleed air from one injector at time.
(1) Loosen the high-pressure fuel line fitting at
the injector (Fig. 19).
(2) Crank the engine until all air has been bled
from the line. Do not operate the starter motor
for longer than 30 seconds. Wait 2 minutes
between cranking intervals.
(3) Start the engine and bleed one injector at a
time until the engine runs smoothly.

end quote.
pump timing is on next page
or tank filter line priming before. above.

Engine Fuel Pumps and Injectors Diagnosing Problems

Electric Fuel Pump

Diagnose Fuel Pump

I am not an expert on this one but sounds like a faulty non return / one way valve?

Blockage in the tank. Lift pump not working. Air getting into the fuel lines. Water in the system. Just some things to look at, you didn't say if it is petrol or diesel.

Did you check for fuel pressure on the line from the tank while you had the filter off? Do you hear your fuel pump prime when you turn the ignition on? First I would listen for the hum of the fuel pump when you turn the key to the run position (not starting the engine) May have to get a helper and listen at the gas filler neck with the cap off. If you dont hear your fuel pump, check your fuses and relays. If the relay clicks when your helper turns the key on ( put your finger on the relay and ear down close to feel/hear the relay actuate)., and fuse is good, yet you do not hear the pump prime, I would say your fuel pump is shot.

If it is a diesel,check for fuel pressure coming off the direct drive pump hose while cranking the motor.

Mike

It sounds like you are talking about a diesel engine as gas engines are self priming. Lift pump or primer pump may be defective. Check for loose fittings or lines and damaged o-rings at filter housing. Sounds like you are sucking air somewhere.

Sorry.I am not sure on your model but.If you run a diesel out of fuel,it needs to have the fuel system bled.In the book it will say how.Most common is a bleed valve.Sorry I could not help you more on your car but someone from fixya will..I just wanted to tell you what needs to be done.Sorry I could not help you straight up but wanted to tell you what is needed for your vehicle.Thanks

Well, one problem is, if its an 8.1, its not a diesel. The 8.1, or Vortec 8100, is a gas engine. The DuraMax is a 6.6 engine. There is usually not a priming system on a gas engine, because the fuel pumps will usually get it through the smaller filters used quick enough you dont need them. However, if it is a DuraMax engine, then right on top of the fitting where you mount your diesel filter, there is a primer pump and an air bleed valve. What you do is, open up that air bleed valve ( its a little black plastic octagon shaped thing on the top of the filter mount) then you pump the primer (the silver button looking thing) until you get diesel squiting out the air vent without too many air bubbles or gurgles.