Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Intermittently hard to start after new VP44

[GatorRam]

Ever since I put in the new VP, I have experienced some hard starting every now and then. This never happened before the original pump went out. I've got 14-15 psi post filter and everything else seems to be OK. Is there anything that might cause this?



Thanks,



Adam

 

[MMoroney]

I had this problem (not after a VP replacement). I had the intermittent start problem and realized it would only happen when I parked facing uphill. If I backed into my driveway, it would start every time. Turns out a simple tightening of the fittings in/out of the lift pump and fuel filter assembly cured the problem. No fuel was leaking, but air was getting in somehow. Just a thought. Mike

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

When not running, since the tank is lower than the system, it puts a vacuum on it, and any little leak will draw in air like what happened with Moroney. Double check your fittings, on the return side from the pump as well.



Vaughn

 

[PRout]

Another point is I noticed on the original OEM fittings, they had been sprayed with a clear varnish or lacquer type of coating from the factory. I assume it was a fuel resistant mixture, and it was probably there to provide additional seal around the connectors. To keep air out.



Would like to get some of that spray and re-seal the connectors after making any changes.



You couldnt hardly see the coating, other than where they sprayed too much, and it had ran down the side of the fuel filter, and hardened in the shape of a droplet. At first I thought it was a fuel leak, until trying to wipe it off. It was a stalagtite.