Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) '95 12 Valve Hard Starting in Cold

[LRotter]

Hey guys, I'm in need of a little advice. A buddy of mine(not a TDR member) has a '95 12 Valve that is having some problems starting. It's been pretty cold the past couple of days(lows in the teens, highs in the 20s). When he tries to start the truck, it cranks and cranks. If he steps on the accelerator, it will start. He asked me what I thought and I said that the first thing I would do is change the fuel filter. He had called a local diesel shop and they said something about a fuel pump. Any body have any other ideas as to what this might be? The reason I say fuel filter is that he hasn't changed it in a while and the cold weather might be causing problems. Any ideas would be appreciated.



TIA

 

[TKemper]

I would say it's somewhat normal. My truck always starts immediately with a little throttle input. The cold weather starting instructions on the back of the sun visor state to push the pedal 1/4 of the way down, then start. ( after the wait to start light has gone out. )

You didn't mention if the truck is an auto or 5 speed, but I would begin by checking fuel pressure. Check it before you change filters. It should be around 26 to 30 at rated rpm . . 2600 or so

If it's low change filter, clean the pre-screen on the fuel heater bowl, then check again. If still low pinch the return line while running and see if pressure jumps up. If it does, then change the overflow valve.

Once you have proper fuel pressure then check your idle speed. Bring the engine up to operating temperature first, then check.

An auto should be 750 - 800 in gear with the AC turned on. RPM should be checked at the crankshaft balancer with an infrared tach to do it right. If not you can use the dash as a reference. Hope this helps. Todd

 

[SRadke]

Virtually all mechanically injected diesels will start better with some throttle. It's become standard procedure for me to give the tractors full throttle when starting them in the cold. Just let off as soon as they start.



-Scott

 

[bmoeller]

Fuel Pressure: 18-24 psi at idle, 28-36 at 2000 rpm with no load.

 

[mainer]

I agree w/ TKemper. The manual for my '96 says when it's cold (actually says less than 60 degrees) you should slightly depress the pedal while turning over. Seems alot easier than changing filters.

 

[J Shocik]

If you go by the KISS theory (Keep It Simple Shocik-not really, but I don't want to insult anyone here), with temps that low, I would plug it in overnight. IMO it's not a fuel filter problem because the truck starts and there is no mention of any other problems related to the filter. If everything is working the way it's supposed to, there should be no problem starting in the AM. - I think it would start easier being plugged in. The only concern I would have is being in Mo. is the fuel treated for winter use? Gelling could be a problem. This is where I would start before doing anything else. The filter should be changed regardless since it's been a while. P. S. You should get your friend to join the TDR!!

 

[QRTRHRS]

Have the rubber fuel lines been replaced. If deteriorated, they can allow minute amounts of air in the system which can be overcome by cracking the throttle.

 

[JJW_ND]

Not sure I by the depress throttle theory....

I have never had to depress the throttle to get my 96 started. I would not consider anything above 20 cold. In fact I don't even wait for the grids above 30.



Today after setting out all day with a high of -8 it fired right off with no throttle.



I have found keep the idle close to 900 makes for instant starts and no throttle starts below zero.



If a higher idle does not make for no throttle starts, I would look to other stuff like return fuel line, overflow valve, low timing, very poor fuel.



jjw

ND

 

[Loren]

When my '95 was new I didn't have to depress the throttle, now it starts sooner if I do. I'd say that your friend's truck is normal.



I suspect that in my case the idle may be set a bit too low, but I like it like that.



Loren

 

[starring]

I have found that it works best when I plug it in. I am lucky if i see temperatures above 10. Without plugging it in I have to give it some throttle.

 

[LRotter]

Thanks for the info, guys. I had him try pressing the foot feed down this a. m. (around 7 degrees this morning) and he said it fired right up. We're going to change the fuel filter this weekend if we can find a nice warm garage, just because he hasn't changed it in a while. While we're doing a little maintenence, I might take a peek at the fuel lines. He's got roughly 100,000miles on the truck and it's on the original fuel lines so there might be a problem there.



Thanks again.

 

[LandShark]

I don't need any foot action on my '95 til it's below 10 degrees. A truck that age would need fuel return lines by now. The symptoms are the same as you describe. I replaced my fuel lines at about 65,000 miles.



Also check the intake manifold heaters and fuel heater.



My truck starts much easier after switching to Mobile Delvac 1. Starts faster and with less noise after starting.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

The truck has two intake heater grids, one on top of the other. Each one has it's own seperate relay mounted on a common bracket, bolted to the driver's fender well. Sometimes one of those will quit, and only one grid will heat. That's OK in moderate weather, but will cause hard starting & white smoke in the fall & winter. Follow the cables back from the grids, & check them with a tester while they are cycling.