Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) hard start

[CAW440]

on my 2001 w/178,000 miles , starting last weekend on a 1st in the morning start up after sitting for a day, the truck started like usual and then stalled, it took about 15 seconds to get it to start back up. this seems to only happen after sitting for a day or so, i have about 8. 5 lbs of fuel pressure from the lift pump and can't see any leaks anywhere in the system , any help would be great

 

[JLandry]

Questions:



By chance ddid you fill up the tank just prior to this happening, and have you refilled since? I'm wondering if you may have some slightly bad fuel.



Have you checked for diagnostic trouble codes?



Have you tried activating the lift pump to build up some fuel pressure prior to attempting to start the engine? This is done by briefly activating the starter (but not cranking or starting) and leaving the ignition key in the RUN position.



Where amd how are you measuring the fuel pressure?



What's the condition of the air filter?



What type of fuel filter(s) do you have and when was the last time it was changed?



Best regards,



John L.

 

[JR]

It sounds like you may have a small leak in your fuel line somewhere. Start from the engine and check all connections, fuel lines, filters, gauges, etc all the way back to the tank. It could be a very minimal leak, one that may not be dripping while the truck is running but may be enough to show a damp line line.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Not part of the issue, but your fuel pressure is sure low. Are you measuring pre-filter or post-filter? What is the pressure after starting and running?

 

[CAW440]

pressure is messured after the filter at the shrader valve. 8. 5 at idle,in answering landry , no on the fill up before or after and yes I've run the lift pump several cycles when restarting the truck, I do catch an air in fuel smell when the engine does fire off , so I'm leaning towards some kind leak also, I just can't find any evidence of fuel anywhere. by the way the lift pump has been relocated to the frame about 80,000 miles ago

 

[JR]

Make sure the lift pump itself isnt leaking somewhere. I've seen them develop a leak internally and depending on the pump can be very hard to detect. I had an AirDog that began seeping fuel out of the rubber grommet that seals the plug.

 

[cerberusiam]

If you have pressure at the IP when it won't start it is likely not a leak in the system. Intermittent hard starts almost always end up being a slow death on the VP-44. Can't find a code, can't find a source, and eventually it won't rev over 1200 rpms when you start it one day.

 

[CAW440]

I want to thank everyone for their input and ideas on my problem, what I ended up doing was changing the overflow valve on the vp44, it was only $16. 00 and worth a try. Well this seems to have solved the problem. I installed it last night,let the truck sit for 24hrs. turned the key and it cranks up and runs , hopefully its not a fluke and i dodged a bullet. But thanks again for the help.