Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard starting

[Proram]

I have a buddy that has a 96 12v that after sitting for a few days it takes 10/15 sec. of cranking to get it started. ( he say's it's acts just like he changed his fuel filter). anything i should tell him to look for? I can say for a fact that this truck is maticously maintaned.

Any help would be greatly app.

Thanks Proram

 

[moparguy]

Fuel return line

Thats the most likely culprit. A search will yield lots of info.



RJR

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Possible causes:

Feed lines, return lines

Lift pump

fuel heater o-rings



Tell him to get out his swearbook and Kevlar gloves when changing the rubber feed/return lines...



Matt

 

[redram]

If it is the fuel return lines, he should be smelling a stronger than normal diesel fuel odor, similar to spilling fuel when changing the filter. it's a pain but the only way to correct the hard starting.



(other than getting a short broom handle and priming the engine with the manual fuel pump before starting the engine - you'll hear the pressure relief bypass when you've pumped the air out)

 

[Blakers]

Has he tried holding the throttle open a little when starting? If it starts right up instantly with the throttle open it means the idle is set too low.



Blake

 

[MWBrooks]

I was having the same issue with my truck. Replacing the return line solved the problem. The job was a major PIA though!





Mike

 

[RWorth]

I replaced the fuel line, checked the pre-filter screen checked for fuel leaks. The problem was found. I had replaced the WIF valve on the fuel filter because one of the wires had broke, problem was the new WIF valve was also the cause of loosinf prime.

 

[Joe G.]

The biggest problem with replaceing the fuel hoses is getting room to work. I remove the two nuts fastening the master cylinder to the booster and lean the master cylinder toward the fender. It also helps to remove the starter. While you have it apart, it's a good idea to replace both the supply and return fuel hoses.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by Joe G.

It also helps to remove the starter. While you have it apart, it's a good idea to replace both the supply and return fuel hoses.

Since you've gone this far you may as well replace the starter contacts also.



When my 2500 experienced hard starting I had absolutely no visible fuel leaks but the hose looked like Swiss cheese. Replacing it cured the hard start, it must have been sucking air. When the return line on my 3500 decided to go it never even had a chance for a hard start, just started leaking and I lost a full tank of fuel in half an hour. It can go both ways.