Cranks a lot starting

[JMarsh]

First time post here. I have been a TDR member for about 2 years, and have read a lot of post, very useful information. I have never had a need to post until now.



I have a 1990 W250 with 225000 miles. Truck is all stock except for the muffler removal and radiator update. Truck used to start as soon as you hit the key no matter what temperature. Now when the truck sits for more than an hour it will turn over on the starter 15 or 20 times and sometimes I have to press on the pedal to get it started. It's only in the 70's here now so its not related to cold temperature. Runs great once it starts, plenty of power, idles fine, etc. I changed the fuel filter and bled the low pressure side for air. It did seem like it had a little air but not a lot. I didn't bleed the injectors, because it runs fine once it gets started. Any suggestions on what I should try or my problem.

 

[Greenleaf]

Hard To Start

See any fuel leaks from tank to injection pump? Can be pulling in air from tank but not likely as it runs well when started. Have you tried testing the lift pump psi? Is the lift pump original?

 

[JMarsh]

Haven't checked the pressure and the lift pump is original. I looked for leaks throughout the system and can't see any. I was worried about the diaphram in the lift pump, but according to the cummins manual, if the diaphram is leaking it will leak out of the lift pump.

 

[Withers]

I know this may sound overly simple, but check your battery terminals, I have to clean mine at least twice a year, the truck always start when I just look at the ignition, once it turns over more then a few times it's time to clean the posts. It's worth a try.

 

[Greenleaf]

It can also leak internal I think. I believe there was a thread in the past something about hard to start/lift pump failure.



one more thing. There is a bus here,5. 9 that is difficult to start. It has a low idle problem [to slow] and have to press down on the go peddle & crank a while. It also stalls sometimes when put into gear. Perhaps this gives some idea.



one more one more Watch that thread count Some of us have wives on thead patrol... ... ...





:-{}



Scott

 

[JMarsh]

I ordered a lift pump at lunch. I will put in on tomorrow to see if that fixes the problem.

 

[scotmartin]

I saw the same exact problem in my dad's 96. It turned out to be a fuel leak near the bell housing of the transmission. Unfortunately, we could not see fuel leaking out, it was air going in. Made it hard to find. Replaced both fuel lines, they are steel flex, and the problem never returned.



Scot

 

[JMarsh]

Noticed something that puzzles me. When I filled the truck up with fuel it started fine with the old lift pump. I still put the new lift pump on it anyway. Won't know if I fixed the problem until it gets below half tank of fuel where it was before. Right now it starts great.

 

[phillips5]

I had that problem on my 90 maby my 89 I forget it was 10 years ago or more. It turned out to be a plug screwed into the head of the pump in the middle of the injection lines. When it gets etched over time fuel can leak buy it internaly. This makes it hard for the pressure to build up to snap the injectors open during cranking. It got wurse and wurse intil I replaced the plug and then presto Just like new. I have the special socket I could mail it to you and then mail it back if you find this to be your trouble.

 

[JMarsh]

I see the plug in the service manual diagram. Where did you get your replacement plug at?

 

[phillips5]

International Fuel Systems in Toledo Ohio. I live about 12 miles west of Toledo in Swanton OH.