Home again with a question

[Dieselnerd]

Three days ago, after I had pulled my fifth wheel about 500 miles, I camped in Carthage MO. The next morning, my truck wouldn't start. I have never had any problems starting, even after sitting for 2 or 3 weeks. I checked my fuel solenoid, it was picked. Then I primed my system by pushing the button on the lift pump until it was hard to push. Tried starting again and it finally started, ran rough for a few seconds and then smoothed out. It was obvious I had lost my prime or had some air in the system. It never happened again. The next 2 days it started instantly as usual. Any ideas? I suspect the fuel return line that I have never replaced (71,000 miles) but why no hard starting ever, one failure and no hard starting again? I plan to replace those rubber hoses that everyone seems to have a problem with but could anything else have caused this? Lift pump going bad? Thanks for any ideas you have...

 

[HomerDog]

Dieselnerd,

I have the same truck as you. I have experienced the hard start/no start as most people have with the same truck. I have 150K and have replaced fuel shutoff solenoid and relay. This was a once in a while condition like you describe. If it's not this it may be the fuel return line. I can give you more details on each if you want to pm me...

 

[Dieselnerd]

Thanks HomerDog, I don't think it was the solenoid since it was in the up position. I do unplug the solenoid after oil changes to build up some pressure by cranking the motor before starting and as soon as it's plugged in again it starts instantly without a stumble. When mine started it ran very rough for a few seconds like it does after a fuel filter change. Based on that, I'm pretty sure some air got in the system. I plan on changing the rubber hoses first. It's hard to inspect the rubber condition considering where they are located. So many members have reported a fuel return problem that it's a good place to start.

 

[TKemper]

I would check the fuel lines like you mentioned, and possibly the overflow valve, but more likely the lines.

 

[Dieselnerd]

It happened again this morning! I had to prime it with the pushbutton to get it to start. I'll report on whatever it turns out to be as soon as I find the problem. It shouldn't be too hard and gives me something to do...