Running Out of Fuel
Warning: Diesel fuel is flammable. When you approach a vehicle and the smell of diesel fuel is present, immediately shut off all engines and ignition sources. Avoid causing sparks and stay away from arcing switches and equipment. Extinguish cigarettes, pilot lights, flames, or other sources of ignition in the area and adjacent areas. Immediately provide extra ventilation to the area. Do not start the vehicle or any other type of equipment until the fuel leak is corrected and the area cleared of fuel. Failure to perform these actions could lead to the ignition of the fuel, which could cause personal injury or death, or severe property damage.
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop the vehicle on a level location away from traffic. Add at least 2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel to the fuel tank in order to restart the engine. If the vehicle is not level, up to 6 gallons (22 liters) of fuel may be required. Prolonged engine cranking may be required to pump fuel from the fuel tank to the engine before the engine will start.
Notice: Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. Wait two minutes after each try to allow the starter to cool. Failure to do so could cause starter damage.
If the vehicle will not start by cranking the engine, the fuel system may need to be primed. See the applicable engine manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual.