Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard to start after sitting overnight

[EEland]

The truck is a stock '95 dodge. After it sits for any length of time you have to keep cranking it over and over before it will final start. Outside temperature has no effect on it starting any quicker. Once the truck finallly starts it seems to loaded up on fuel, smoking alot until it clears out the excess fuel. The grid heaters seem to be working. The truck is acting like it was run out of fuel and there is air in the lines. Anyone got any ideas as to where to look.

 

[DieselMinded]

Maybe a small fuel leak prefilter and its loosing the back pressure and the fuel in the lines have you checked for leaks ?? do you have a fuel pressure gauge ??



Just an idea

DM

 

[Joe G.]

It is most probably the fuel hoses have cracked. This is a very common problem. There are other things that can do this. Even if your hoses aren't the problem this time they eventually will be. You can get the proper replacement hoses here: http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm



This job is a bit of a PITA because the hoses are so hard to get to. Remove the fuel filter. Remove the two nuts that fasten the master cylinder to the vacuum booster. This allows you to lean the master cylinder toward the fender. It is also a good idea to remove the starter. If the hoses have never been replaced they will have the crimp on clamps that are added fun to remove.



Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? This problem can also be caused by a weak overflow valve. If it runs good after you finally get it started the OF valve should be ok. If it is bad your fuel pressure will be too low.

 

[PKemp]

Yup, air in the lines or the overflow valve. Since its a 95 chances are its the fuel lines behind the fuel filter simply because of their age. A real PITA. Get the marine grade fuel lines and SS clamps and fix it once and forget it. Piers has OF valves at a good price. Come to think of it, if it appears to be "bleeding" down (pressure) after sitting, then chances are the OF valve is the culprit. But considering the age of the vehicle, if the lines have never been changed, now is a good time to take care of that too.

 

[CarlJensen]

If you have the take apert overflow check spring length for . 5 inches. Do the easy stuff first. Fuel lines are PITA. Replace entire line with marine grade.

 

[moparguy]

If it's gonna take a few days to replace the fuel return line (very likely the bad one) you can give the starter a break by priming the fuel system by manually pumping the fuel pump.



Easiest way to find it is to go out at night and shine a flashlight on the side of the block below the fuel filter, infront of and above the starter. You'll see a round rubber button that's about a inch in diameter. Just pump it in till you feel resistance, some folks us a short stick rather than sticking there arm down in the sometimes oily area.



If it's loosing prime, it should start right up after a few dozen pumps.



Good luck,

RJR