Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) starting issues

[firemanmarc]

Hello about 2 weeks ago I started the truck and it idled at about 400 rpm and would not rev up. I shut truck down and refired it with no problem. Now it starts real hard if not plugged in when the temp drops below 20degrees. I have replaced the fuel lines, fuel filter, waiting for overflow valve. Local pump shop says I have low compression he says that is why it starts warm and not cold. . To me it seems I am losing fuel pressure. . Could something have happened in my pump causing the low idle before, that could be giving me issues now??? Thank you, Marc

 

[tp0d]

CK yer shutdown solenoid. Sounds like its not pulling all the way up. The boot may be damaged or the solenoid bore might be dirty and need some lube. A little axle lube smeared on the plunger works well. The relay could also be weak and not providing full voltage to pull it up on start. .



good luck



-j

 

[EKlem]

Once it is warmed up, how does it run?



Does it matter how long the truck has been sitting?



Does it make any difference if you are nose down or nose up on a hill?



If you hold the throttle down when you try to start it does that help?



What is the color of the exhaust when it first starts up then once it is warmed up?



You are correct that a fuel pressure gauge would help to diagnose this. If it cranks for a while before starting then runs rough for a couple of seconds then runs normally after that, it is most likely air in your lines. Good luck figuring it out.

 

[firemanmarc]

I would say that if its sits for over 8 hours is when it starts acting up. I drove it today and let it set for about 5 hours at 3 degrees and it started right up. It runs good after it starts good, when it starts hard it runs rough for a minute til it smooths out. The exhaust is white... I would be able to diagnose better if I could stay away from work for a few hours, but 76 hours of OT is tough to get anything done... ... I plan on checking my timing, pulling my injectors for testing, testing fuel pressures. I know I'll get it just will take time. . Thank you guys, Marc

 

[Joe G.]

It may be an air leak in your fuel heater. Best to take the worthless thing out.

 

[firemanmarc]

The fuel heater has been gone over a year. I have read that you should here the overflow valve working while priming the lift pump. What does it sound like??? I am going to try and take her to work today. THey won't let me plug it in at work and the temps will be in the single digits. I will try priming it before I come home and see if that helps... . Marc

 

[JFaughn]

The sound for the overflow valve is a little bussing , the ball is bouncing between the seat and spring .
You've talked about fuel pressure , but have you put a gage on it yet ?