Hard starting when the truck nose is downhill

[farrview]

This is been going on for a long time. When ever the truck is on an downgrade it turns over and starts immediately. When the truck is on a upgrade it has to turn over about 20+ secs before it will fire up.
Thought that maybe the fuel return line has some sort of a valve that would maintain pressure at the engine when ignition is shut off. If so when the engine is on an upgrade then the fuel all drains back to the tank?
Not sure what else could be causing this and hopefully someone has an answer!

Otherwise, 1999 2500, 270K miles, still running great and only needs rusty body work.

Ooops, screwed up post title, Should be hard starting when truck nose is UPHILL.
Getting too old! Ought to have grandkids take over everything!

 

[hcole]

Sounds like you have some old cracked rubber fuel lines around the engine that will have to be replaced. Look for damp spots on the hoses themselves. You may get lucky and find the leaker easily.

 

[BigPapa]

Have you tried bumping the starter and leaving the key on a couple of times before actually trying to start it? It does sound as though you're losing prime on the lift pump. I thought this was mainly a 2nd Gen 12-valve issue, but I guess it's possible on the 24-valve, too. On the 12-valve it's usually the return line that gets rotten. Since the leak is sucking air in, the leak isn't visible. If it does start immediately after the bump-key-on a couple times, I'd start with replacing any rubber hoses between the tank, lift pump, and fuel filter.

 

[Tractorat]

I had a similar problem a few years ago, only it would happen on the level (didnt try on a hill). Replace fuel lines from the fass. BTW, does it happen on a full tank ?

 

[farrview]

Been busy so it has taken a long time to get to the forum....
Going to try and follow up on all the suggestions this next weekend. Hopefully something works!