Hard Starting with nose uphill??

[Chris Smith]

The driveway at my house has a fairly steep slope. I normally park nose down, and the truck always fires right up with barely a turn of the key. Does the same parking flat too. When I park with the front end uphill overnight, the truck has to crank for 10-20 seconds before it fires. Anyone notice this? I assume it's fuel draining away from the injectors and is normal, but it makes me curious.

 

[HC]

Sounds crazy, doesn't it? I apologize for suggesting that any 6. 2 liter diesel Chevy EVER had anything in common with our Cummins, aside from the same fuel.

If you can get past that, I can tell you that I had a Chevy diesel that did EXACTLY as you are describing. The problem was traced to a very slow leak in the fuel system. Not enough to spray fuel when running, but, shut it down overnight, and you'd better point downhill for a reliable start in the morning. If the Tank was uphill of the rest of the system, the air didn't get in, but point the truck uphill (which puts the tank downhill), and the inleakage was just enough to cause hard starting the next morning. Drove me crazy for awhile! Good luck, hope this gives you something to check out.

 

[Lsfarm]

Try this

Chris, before you start the next time [parked nose up hill] turn the key to the start position just enough to 'bump' the starter, this triggers the lift pump to run for about 20 seconds. Then try starting the engine.



If you are experiencing fuel drain back, this may help. You don't want to wear out or overheat your starter.



With all the problems with the factory lift pump, get a fuel pressure guage!! My pump died at 14500 miles [2001, 01-01 production].



You may have a bad, or weak lift pump.



Greg L

 

[Ray Torresdal]

fuel pressure

Have you checked your lift pump pressure??? I would start with that! I can't tell from your signiture if you have gauges or not.



ray

 

[Steve Campbell]

Just an ouside chance here, but maybe the "check valve" in the return line Banjo bolt is not functioning properly. I actually think the other posters probably hit the nail on the head.

 

[Chris Smith]

Thanks for all the input. I'll try the 'bump the starter' trick next time. This is a leased truck, so I haven't added guages or anything to the engine. Plus I'm trying to not get addicted to bombing! Of course I'm about to add bigger tires, which requires a little front lift, and may make me want more HP, which needs a stronger trans, which begs for even more HP... .

 

[d90boy]

Mine is still doing this same thing, I'm going to try and get it into the dealer. Where is this check valve at on the return line? I guess its on the banjo bolt on the back of the head. When I try to start mine it cranks and cranks then fires up and runs normal. It doesn't hit on a few cylinders then all 6 it just hits on all 6 at once. Again it only does this when pointed uphill. When I put the fuel pressure gauge on it I get no fuel pressure when cranking! Could the lift pump be the problem? Please help me keep it away from the dealerships, you all know what I'm talking about.

 

[Big White Beast]

Park both of ours nose up......

Somewhat steep driveway too. Never a problem starting. I would definitely check for a leak allowing air to seep back in. Or the check valve.



Now torque converter drain, that's another story.

Garrett