Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Long cranking/hard starting. PLEASE HELP

[randrade]

My truck has recently (last week) been starting really hard. I end up having to hit the key like when you change fuel filter. It will start then and runs fine. I have changed the filter (there was some stuff in the housing), checked all the lines, checked and cleaned connections on the comp? What else should I look for? thanks

Rafael

 

[LAMiller]

Had that on mine a few months ago - you said you checked your lines so probably not the same problem but my o-ring on the #6 Injector feed tube was bad! It only leaked a little fuel when running but not enough to drip and its way in the back so its hard to see if its leaking! Mite wanna just double check to make sure cause it let just enough air in the line that it took a few 10 -15sec til it started! -Lavon

 

[litespeed]

What kind of "stuff" did you find in the housing?



What is the fuel pressure? If you have a gauge.



Does it happen only on the first start of the day (dead cold). Or just whenever you start it?



What are the codes if any?



Could be several things... .



How cold is it where you are? Fuel gelling etc... .



I'm sure most would say to remove the comp. first to see what happens. I dont have a box so I cannot give you much help on that subject.



AJ

 

[RAJohnson]

Check the short rubber fuel line between the LP and the FF, thats were mine was sucking air when I had this problem. It was not visible from any where except after I removed it and had it in my hand.

 

[randrade]

The truck does the hard start if its warm or cold. If I drive somewhere and wait 15-20 min it will be hard to start. The stuff in the filter housing was some type of liquid not water but smelled like nail polish remover? Any other ideas? No codes, no gelling,

 

[SKneeland]

i had exactly the same symptoms a few months ago

ended up being some bad fittings in the fuel system that leaked. when the engine was off the fuel would siphon out

 

[RAJohnson]

You have air getting in. Not always does a air leak mean you will have a fuel leak. Your statement of: The truck does the hard start if its warm or cold. If I drive somewhere and wait 15-20 min it will be hard to start. Check and replace all questionable fuel lines and fittings and go back to post #4 and re-read.

 

[randrade]

Thanks guys I will check it out. I appreciate the help.

Rafael