Hard Starting

[d90boy]

After mine sets for a few hours it's hard to start. It takes about 4-5 seconds of cranking to get it to start. I'm imagining air is getting into the system from somewhere. A friend of mine is having the same problem on his 01. There is no loss of power. Anyone have this problem? I'm sure I'm not alone and I'm going to call the dealer for some ideas. The last thing I want to do is make an appointment for warranty work with those hacks.

 

[reddge]

I am having the same problem. It starts just fine when cold, but starts hard after running. It takes 2 to 3 tries. This started after I installed apusher pump. My fuel pressure is at 16 psi. my gage max. out at 16 psi.

I called Enterprise were I purchased the pump they had no idea what wouldcause this.

Could the pressure be too high? I am open for any suggestions.

 

[LSMITH]

D90, High fuel pressure can in fact cause a hard start situation but if that was it you would see it all the time, at least more often. I am guessing that the air is a leak in the return line. If it was in the feed side of the fuel system you should have a leak that is big enough to find some wetness. In the return side the pressure is a lot lower so it may not even get wet where the leak is and still let air in. Look closely at the rubber piece where the line transitions from the head down to the steel line on the firewall, that is likely where air is getting in. It could also be the rubber line that goes into the fuel tank, take a look at that also. Hope this helps.

 

[LSMITH]

Reddge, your problem is likely a high fuel pressure situation that is causing it. You could try the hard start reflash from the dealer to see if it helps, it cuts the duration of lift pump run before start to let the pressure drop a tad. What I would do is wait maybe 10-15 seconds after the lift pump stops to start the truck. If it starts normally then you know you either need the reflash or to wait, if not let us know and we will see if we can help.

 

[reddge]

Thanks for the tips. I will inspect the return lines. That makes sense.

The hard starting does not happen all the time. I will let you know if waiting 10 to 15 sec. helps. Thanks again

 

[KatDiesel]

Did you tap into the wire at the stock lift pump to "command" the operation of the pusher pump?



My truck used to have the lift pump on a long time before starting, I got a reflash and it shorted the amount of time i heard the pump before starting. With the pusher pump installed its easier to hear the pumps... and the only come on for a short time when starting up.



High fuel pressure will cause hard to start conditions.

 

[d90boy]

I'll check that return line out. It's only hard to start when cold, after sitting a while. It's just not something I expected on a truck with 1400 miles on it. I called around to a few dealers to see what they could tell me. Wasn't worth the effort of pushing the buttons on the phone.

 

[Chipstien]

D90, LOL. That is the way with dealers... . they refuse to tell you anything over the phone. It is always, BRING IT ON IN AND HAVE A TECH LOOK AT IT. Ha, probably wouldn't run when I got it back. However if it keeps it up then take it in. :{ And if they tell you that it is fine then drive it through the front door and say you wanna new one. #@$%! Good luck with the dealer

 

[reddge]

LSMITH I let the fuel pump stop running be for starting and it helped. I’m sure the cause is high fuel pressure. What to do? Put a regulator at the pusher pump or a switch on the pump? Thanks for the tips.

 

[LSMITH]

reddge, there is a reflash for hard starting that can be done and odds are that it will take care of the trouble you are having. Sounds like your 99 has some early programming in it, as in it has not been reflashed for a long time if ever. 18-015-00a is the one I am thinking of.



Now that you know the flash is there I will tell you I would not get mine flashed, I would probably just wait for it to bleed down some or put a switch in for the pusher and turn it off for the first start of the day. I am distrustful of flashes, mine runs great and gets excellent economy the way it is. Hope this helps.

 

[reddge]

LSMITH Thanks for the info. I feel the same way on flashing. I will put a switch in frist to see if that works.

 

[d90boy]

Thought I had it

I tightened a few things under there such as the schrader valve and the banjo from the filter to the injection pump. It only is hard to start when parked uphill, when parked level it fires right up. I'll do a search i guess.