Archived '94 12v was hard starting, now won't start...

[Sojourner]

For the past week or so, my '94 has been taking 2 to 4 seconds of cranking to get started when cold. Previously it has always started with just a bump of the starter even after sitting in 40* degree overnight.



Last night after sitting for about eight hours it cranked for 3 or 4 seconds before it started running, then it ran for about 6 - 7 seconds normally before it started running very rough for a second or two and then quit. I managed to get it to start running a couple of more times but it was running rough and only ran for 3 or 4 seconds before dying.



What does this sound like and where do I start looking?



I admit my fuel filter is overdue for replacement (~30k miles)



I'm located in Austin (Cedar Park).



TIA!

 

[DJWyckoff]

you are not getting fuel flow could be that filter could be fuel transfer pump could be a small hole in the fuel line sucking air in start with the easy stuff



I had a fuel filter water sep fill with water and it wouldent let any fuel or water out changed filter started right up good luck

 

[Joe G.]

Are you starting it without pushing on the pedal? If you are then the idle is probably too low. Try starting it with a little pedal and see what happens.

 

[RAJohnson]

Sounds to me like you need to replace the rubber return fuel line up under the pump. Air is getting in. Heck replace all the rubber lines I'm sure it is due.

 

[raychem]

First and formost... change the fuel filter. This may or may not be the problem but if you can't feed the pump then you can feed the engine. . LOL. Second, check along with the help of another person ( person cranks engine while you check) to make sure the fuel solenoid is engaging and stay in the up(open fuel) position. As RAJohnson

stated... check the rubber fuel lines(behind engine block on drivers side near fuel filter). Fortunatly 12v dont have as much in the way of fuel plumbing like the 24v do so they are somewhat eaisier to trouble shoot.

 

[Diesel Dually]

Probably the fuel lines as RAJohnson mentioned, if thy have not been replaced already. Do a search in the 12 valve section, this was a major (though relatively easy fix) issue with trucks using the P7100 pump. The rubber lines that run from the pump along the block under the manifold will crack and let the system lose prime. If this is your problem use a high quality line that can withstand heat without drying out and causing the cracking. On my '96 I used fuel injection fuel line and haven't had a problem since.