Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) hard starts (lift pump or return line?)

[FreeBMW]

Its getting hard to start the truck up somtimes... ... i need to crank it a few times to get it to fire... ... somtimes 5 or more..... but other times it fires right up..... hot or cold doesnt seem to make a differance... ... .



does this sound like a lift pump or that evil return fuel line?!?!?



I want to try to tackle the problem this weekend and need some suggestions... ... fuel pressure is one of the things to check i know..... is there any way to check the return line?





Thanks in advance!



CWB

 

[JJW_ND]

Make sure it is not the simple stuff...

CWB... . if your idle is below 800, I would adjust it up a alittle and see if that helps. The other thing is the fuel shut off solinoid. Make sure it pulles fully up when you hit the starter. A way to check is turn your key to on. Pop hood and manually lift up on the fuel shotoff solinoid. It should stay up by itself. Now turn the key to start. If this makes if start better, check Blue wire comming from the battery (make sure it has a good clean contact. Also could be the relay that controls the solidnoid or even the solinoid just needs a good cleaning and lube.



If you have check all of this then move ot the fuel pressure which could be a overflow valve or the lift pump. Both reasonable cheap and easy to R n R.





jjw

ND

 

[Howard Durand]

Normally, if the fuel return line is the problem, you will see or feel fuel running down the outside of the line to the frame.

The rubber becomes checked and cracked to the point where fuel seeps out.



With mine, I only noticed hard starting after the truck had sat for several hours or overnight.

 

[FreeBMW]

update

ok... i have done some playing... ... i am quite sure its fuel shutoff solinoid. i watched it while engine was cranked and when the hard start problem showed itself the rod never pulled up. if i manualy pulled it up it would stay and the truck would fire right away.





i removed the solinoid and the rubber boot was in poor shape (cracked and nasty looking) i cleaned the rod and spring and tube in the soliniod body. i lubed the linkage on the engine and moved it a few times by hand and put it all back together... ... .



I also removed the blue wire fron the drivers side battery and cleaned it and the stud it screws to... ...



its MUCH better but it still does it every once in a while (no where near as offten)





so my question is... . where is the relay (i see two right above the soliniod arae near the brake res but more toward the middle) is that one of them??? which one?



I will check out the relay and if that doesnt fix it I will replace the soliniod and realy.



Thanks for your help!!!



CWB

 

[illflem]

save your money

Most expensive solenoids are replaced needlessly. They are a tuff little unit that should last the life of the truck. About the only thing that kills them is worn sticking starter contacts. Your problem is most likely wiring or the relay.



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