Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starting problem

[steamer]

'95 2500 FWD 140,000 mi.



A couple of months ago I had difficulty starting-up. It didstart imediatly, but then died. Continued cranking, but it did not want to light off. I knew I was very low on fuel, and assumed it was a low level pick-up problem. I added 2 gals. of home heating oil (it was handy), and with some more cranking, it fired-up. Went to town and filled the tank. Started and ran fine the rest of the day.



Now, with the tank full, a few days later the starting problem came back. It still will start imediately, but then die, and with a lot of cranking, white smoke, and stumbling, it finally starts and then continues to run fine.



I can avoid the problem if I start it every day. Sitting for 2 or more days the issue will return.



It appears to me that the fuel is "leaking" back to the tank, as there is none on the ground. And as it starts imediately, I have to assume it is getting that initial "charge" of fuel from whatever is remaining in the filter or somewhere, and the rest of the fuel has drained away, somewhere?



This is not a cold weather issue, as it started before it got cold here (CT. )



Is there a check valve in the system that is suposed to prevent this? If so, where? Where else should I be looking?



Tony

 

[9412v9824v]

i have a 12 valve and have had the same problem when you run the truck out of fuel or very low sometimes (well everytime lol) you need to crack the bleeder which is on top the fuel filter crack it open and leave it open while cranking it over... there should be some bubbles coming out of the bleeder. . crank it till bubbles stop and you have just fuel coming out. then shut bleeder and attempt to start truck. should run fine after that. i have had to do that everytime i change fuel and rock filter and the one time my truck ran outta fuel i also hada do that or it would do the same thing your truck is doing.

 

[DWeaver]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...nsmission-1994-1998/228140-loosing-prime.html



This thread should help you on your way to diagnosing the trouble.

 

[steamer]

D. Weaver,



Thanks for the "Joe G" tip. I have printed it and will now study it.



Tony

 

[steamer]

I have the "Filter Relocation Kit" installed on my truck. I am unaware of a bleeder on this filter mount. There are two very small pipe plugs in one dide of the mount, and I guess that one may be tapped into the filter inlet, and the other into the outlet, but do not know this for certain.



Tony

 

[9412v9824v]

one of those could be used for a bleeder... on the orig setup there is a a "pipe plug" on top which i use as a bleeder and it works fine. i need to bleed it whenever i do a filter or it runs outa fuel. if the pipe plug is above the filter. . try loosing one of them a lil bit and cranking it over. . see if bubbles come out... if so crank till bubble stop and you have straight fuel and then tighten it up and you shouldnt hava problem.

 

[Missouri Mule]

steamer, One it sounds like your idle mite be to low.

Auto trans 750 to 800 rpm with trans in drive and a/c on.

Manual trans 780 rpm with trans in neutral and a/c on.



Two. You have air leak in fuel system. Usually the rubber fuel lines start getting cracks in them (don't leak fuel always but sucks in air). Fuel heater connector can allow air in(Joe G as remedy for that). If you prime the sytem with the primer button should start easier(prime until the you hear a sqeaking sound).

If you need rubber hoses you can get them at LarryB's LarryBs.com

 

[steamer]

Mule,



The idle is at the second, of only two ticks between the 0 and 1,000, of the tach. Is there a RPM number that relates to the two ticks?

Tony

 

[Missouri Mule]

Yes there are numbers that correspond to the to ticks(lines). The Tach starts at 0 the line above 0 should be 250(it mite be less) the second line is some where between 500 and 750. (There was a heated discussion on the site many years ago if the 2nd line was 500 or 750 rpm it could be some where in between. )



Remember for the auto trans the truck has to be in gear and a/c on. The a/c has to be on and be neutral for the manual 5 spd trans. So take your tach readings that way.

 

[steamer]

Mule,



I have not had A/C on for a few months.



Now you want me to start the truck and put the AC on... ... on a 12 degree day!!!!!!



Now I'm not sure if I want to thank you, or not, for your help. Just kidding.



Tony

 

[9412v9824v]

you guys tlkin all bout idles... its 10 below here and i just went out and started my 94 12v and let it lope idle till it came outta it... my truck is runnin as we speak and my idle is set at 600rpms in park with no heat or a/c on. i have never had an issue due to idle to low.

 

[Missouri Mule]

steamer, to answer an earlier question there are 3 check valves in the lift pump to keep fuel from going back to tank one of these vavles could of bit the dust.