Archived Hard Starting - NEED HELP!!!

[95REDRAM]

Hi guys,



I posted this in the 12Valve forum but I'm putting it here as well in hopes of getting more feedback.



I'll make this as short as possible while still giving what I think are the necessary details. About a week ago my 95 started being hard to get running. I first checked the factory manual and and have done enough checks to be confident that the quality of fuel, fuel filter, and injectors are not the problem. This is primarily based on the fact that it runs so good once it does get going.



The truck will start as soon as I turn the key (just as it's done for 7 yrs. & 162,000 mi) but it dies just as quickly. After 2 or 3 tries the oil pressure is up and then I start it by pushing hard on the accelerator while engaging the starter. A gentle push on the accelerator (like is done for cold weather starting) does no good. I have to really lay into it going almost full throttle. On a good day it takes 2 or 3 tries. On a bad day it might take a dozen or more. Once it is running it's just as smooth and has just as much power as ever.



Thinking the problem is air in the fuel lines, I have replaced the two rubber fuel lines (supply and return) between the engine and firewall. I had the return line fail at about 80,000 miles and thought it might be the problem again. Lines showed no visible damage and it did not fix the problem. However, after replacing the two lines I did prime the system via the plunger on the lift pump and it started right up with no movement of the accelerator at all. I'm now thinking maybe it's a problem with the fuel lines going back to the tank but I haven't had a change to check them yet. I know a lot of '94's and 95's had problems with the fuel lines but mine is a very late 95 and I thought the problem was fixed by then.



All help and comments are appreciated. I know something like this never happens at a good time but this is REALLY A BAD TIME for this to happen and I need to get it fixed ASAP.

 

[BWilson]

Try checking the steel line under the intake manifold. It bolts up to where the fuel filter is and runs next to the engine to the top banjo bolt on the pump. I had to replace mine and have heard of many others that had to as well.



Hope this helps. Keep us posted.

 

[illflem]

other places air can get in

Banjo bolt washers, any of them, fuel heater O-ring and wiring, fuel filter or water in fuel valve. You don't necessarily have to leak fuel to suck air.

 

[Missouri Mule]

95REDRAM

What is your slow idle rpm after truck starts?

 

[95REDRAM]

780 RPM.

 

[Missouri Mule]

95REDRAM,

I think it is possible that you idle is to low.

Of course if your idle mite of been at this setting before problems started.

Low idle on auto should be 750 to 800 rpm with trans in drive and a/c on.

Manual 780 in neutral with ac on.

My rpm runs about 825-850 at idle once I get the rpms over 1100 . I think the Mule has little air leak or engine speed sensor(crank speed sensor) is acting up. After firing up it idle it is 750 to 780 rpm.

The fire up /stall/ pedal going toward metal symptoms seem to indicate fuel is in there but not enough (kind of like a carb when the float is stuck toward the bottom).

Usually fuel leak or air being introduced into system will cause no start symptom.

I would increase low idle up into the 800 to 825 to see if this helps but would also continue to check for fuel/air leaks and fuel system components failures.

Good Luck!