need help on a ford!!

[duckcarvr]

i have a 1990 ford nonturbo 7. 3. when i start it the first time , it just runs for a few seconds roughly and dies. it wont restart unless i use a squirt of starting fluid. it runs roughly for 20 to 30 seconds and then its ok. it will start as long as it is warm the rest of the day with no problems. the power seems fine and it runs good. it has 163,000 on it. the glow plug relay and controler have recently been replaced. i also have relaced the fuel filter after this trouble started. its totally stock. any ideas? thanks robert

 

[CumminsAholic]

Sounds like it could be getting air in the fuel line before the injector pump. Check it for cracks, holes, etc. It should be warm enough out now to start without the glow plugs, at least if it starts it should stay running.

Corey

 

[duckcarvr]

i thank you, it gives me a place to start. an air leak would make sence it does blow a little white smoke when it quits. thanks again robert

 

[Dl5treez]

There is a rubber portion of fuel line pre-filter that can crack and suck air.



Also, the mechanical lift pump could be allowing fuel to drain back towards the tank.



Couple places to check.

 

[lmills]

bro-in-laws used to do that. turned out to be a bad fuel line back at the tank. If you got it started it would run fine, let it sit for a couple hours and you would have to crack the lines to get it started. Since they have two tanks he switched to the other and quit using the one and hasn't had any problems.

 

[HGreen]

Been there and done that. I had a 89 F350 with the 7. 3. There are several places that lets the fuel leak back from the filter, trapping air that must be purged before it will run. The check valve in the fuel pump is one place and there is also a check valve on the fuel filter. I never could isolate where mine was letting in the air, so I put an electric fuel pump in place of the motor driven unit. When I wanted to start the truck, I would turn on the key, and while the glow plugs were cycling, the air was purged from the fuel filter. A $40 fix.

 

[duckcarvr]

thanks to all who resonded i appreciate it very much! it has been a very good truck but slow and underpowered... ..... besides my dodge looks better!! robert

 

[FordCummins]

Also look at all the return lines from the injectors (if it hasnt already been mentioned) They are notorious for developing leaks and causing hard starting problems.