Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 97 starting problems

[Lnwing]

A friend is working on a 12 valve 97 Dodge/aircraft tug that developed a starting problem today. It has always started with the throttle at idle, but will now only start if you give it a footfull of throttle for several seconds, and then it will remain running at idle. It will not start without some throttle.



I've suggested checking the following; grid heater, shutdown solenoid and fuel lines. What else should he check??

 

[Joe G.]

If it will start with just a little additional pedal then adjust the idle.



I don't think the grid heater would cause this problem. The fuel heater might.



Here are the things to check:



Fuel hoses

Fuel fittings

Overflow valve

Fuel heater

Shutdown solenoid relay

Shutdown solenoid

 

[redram]

I would check for cracked / leaking fuel return hoses - when mine started to get hard to start, partial throttle and pumping would assist bleeding the air that was getting into the fuel lines.



Just a thought.

 

[McCRam]

Last time I changed the fuel filter, I somehow left the gasket off. I don't know if I was losing prime or what, but putting the gasket in fixed it. I must of had a bad day. I flushed the motor with a gallon of oil cuz I forgot to put the drain plug back in.

 

[Lnwing]

Thanks for the replies. I'll pass the information along.



Lynn