Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard Starting

[stick]

Just a quick question, my truck with 113,000 has allways started very easy( just touch the starter and she goes ). But lately iv'e had to crank it a little longer when it is warm, like a short shut down.

From doing searches, this is leading me to the Overflow valve or fuel return line. Am i on the right track here?



Stick

 

[jdub]

Odds are it is the fuel return line. You can usually smell the fuel that oozes from the small cracks or feel the moisture on the line.

 

[PHaller]

fuel return line

My guess if fuel return line too. They often but not always leak only air in not fuel out so you can't see any visable fuel leaking. If it's original ... just replace it and the supply line. It's a lousy job. It's real hard to get to the clamp on the return line. I just cut the clamp and replace it later. Go to NAPA and get diesel rated hose NOT fuel line.

-Paul R. Haller-

 

[jfrost]

Mine did the same thing you are describing and My fuel lines looked fine. I finally broke down and took it to a good diesel garage, they did some fuel pressure tests and found I had a bad lift pump. Just a thought. Good Luck.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Usually when the fuel lines are bad it starts hard after standing over night or longer. The air takes time to seep in and cause loss of prime. If yours starts good in the morning when it's cold but it's hard to restart when warm it is probably something else. Past posts have suggested pinching the return line with a long nose pliers with the engine idling and if idle speed increases the overflow valve is failing. When my lift pump started to fail it started good warm but the longer it stood, the harder it was to start. If I left it overnight I had to prime it with the pushbutton. You might also check the fuel solenoid to make sure it pulls all the way up and isn't binding when hot. Turn on the key, bump the starter without starting the engine and leave the key on. Reach under the fuel solenoid and try to push it up. If it's all the way up it shouldn't move, if you can move it farther it's probably binding. You also need to check the fuel solenoid relay, it may be going bad. They are cheap, the solenoids are not.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I'll have to agree with Dieselnerd a leaking return fuel line usually is a longer period and/or when nose of truck is pointing up hill (unless it is pouring out fuel).



Is it(truck) blowing any smoke? If it is what color?

Have you tried priming it?

Does starter seem to be getting enough power/turning engine fast enough?



Overflow valve seems more likely. (Dieselnerd)

Sticking rod on fuel shut off soelnoid?(Dieselnerd)

Fuel filter sucking in air at seal?



Usually when engine is hard to start while warm it is usually something electrical.

My freightliner sometimes takes longer to start when warm but it has the electronic injector pump/electric fuel pump. ( I believe it tends to get flooded now and then and unfortunately it has a very short tail pipe under the truck so I can't see the color of the smoke when it does start. )

But I have seen this happen on gas engines also. (Carburetors or their butterfly's).

Good Luck

 

[redramnc]

Starter solenoid could be heat soaking and hanging. Starter contacts might help. If they don't make good contact the shutoff solenoid will stay closed - no fuel, no crank. Contact Larry B for the killer replacement contacts.

 

[stick]

The starter seems to work fine. It just seems to take a few more cranks than normal



Stick

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

If it will start faster when you hold the throttle down a little, adjust the idle up a bit.