Hard Starting Why???

[Simon]

This truck always started the first click of the key, then I drove it home one night, got up the next morning to go to work and I must have cranked for 5 minutes before it grabed and fired and it has been hard to start ever since. After it starts once there is no problem getting it started again until it sits over night. I drained the fuel filter no change in starting. I haven't changed the filter thats next. Any Ideas???

 

[Missouri Mule]

Simon,

Leading causes for hard to start;



1. leaking return fuel line.

2. Return fuel valve alias overflow valve (usually stuck open) .

3. Transfer pump/fuel pump. (check valve/ or getting weak. )

4. Air in fuel system ( holes in fuel lines, fuel filter sucking air)

5. screen in pre filter plugged

6. screen in fuel module ( uin fuel tank) plugged)

7. fuel filter plugged (you checked this one).

8. water or gunk in fuel.

9. Messed up injector pump.



Is your truck parked on a hill?

Have a fuel pressure test done this can pin point overflow valve or the tranfer pump.

 

[TSielski]

Could be your fuel return line has deteriorated and is allowing the system to lose prime. The return line is metal for most of its length except for about a 2. 5' section beginning up under the intake manifold and ending over the bellhousing. This 2. 5' length is black rubber that is notorious for cracking and leaking air.

I would check this line, and have a replacement, preferably a high quality diesel rated rubber line rather than a Mopar unit on hand.



It is not easy to access though.



There could be other problems that result in hard starting too, but the return line is the most prevalent. Posts on this subject should be searchable.

 

[LarryB]

When it won't start right off, open the hood and pump the primer button until you hear the overflow valve "squeak". If it starts right up then, you have a fuel line leaking air in and allowing the pump to loose prime.