Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) starting problems 1997

[mglaser]

1997 2500 auto Primeloc

The truck will sometimes start and sometimes not like now, cranks fast good- batterys seems like not getting fuel.

My questions center on lift pump diagnosis, shut off solenoid diagnosis, fuel supply and return line leakage diagnosis, plugged fuel filter and screen diagnosis.

Lift pump- where is it, any pics?, how do I check for correct operation ie pressure gauge insertion point, output?

Shut off solenoid how do I test for correct operation?

Supply and return lines how do check for leakage ie vacuum leaks and are these type of leaks possible? has some one used a different type of line that has proven to be more reliable-durable?

Does the primeloc filter head port facing to the rear the place to install the pressure gauge? How can I tell if the filter is plugged?

How do I tell if the screen in the heater-screen is plugged?

Thanks for your help!

 

[ndurbin]

I highly doubt you have a lift pump problem, their pretty stout units. It is located just above the starter.



Fuel shutoff solenoid should make a pretty good thump when you first hit the key to try and start it (mine does anyway). And it should keep the arm (coming out of the bottom) pulled up.



Easiest way to tell if your fuel filter is plugged is to get a new one and try it out.



Nathan

 

[The patriot]

Mine will crank a long time unless I press down on the fuel petal just a little bit.

When I do this, one or two revolutions is all it takes.

Eric

 

[TMitch]

I had a similar problem with my truck. It would start fine sometimes then others I would crank and crank and crank and just when I would be ready to give up, it would fire up? Then other times it wouldn't start no matter what I did. I finally pulled out the service manual and found the shut-off solenoid. I lubebd it up and this worked for a while. When you first engage your starter it is supposed to click up to the run position and stay there as long as the key is in the run position. When you turn the key to off it is supposed to pop back out and shut the fuel off and the engine will die. What you can do is turn the key and try to start the engine, if it doesn't fire right up, stop cranking the engine but leave the key in the run position, pop the hood and reach in and push the solenoid up by hand. I think the solenoid is 2 way, meaning it powers up and down. I never had a problem shutting it off. I had to do this for a while. I was ready to replace the solenoid but it turned out to be the relay. I don't have my service manual right here to give a verbatim description of the solenoid location so maybe someone else will jump in and tell you exactly where it is. Driver's side, midway up the block 2/3's of the way back towards the firewall? It's a got a rubber boot on the bottom half, push up to click into the run position? I hope this helps. The DC solenoid costs a fortune, if you end up needing one maybe someone can suggest an alternative, Piers just had them on sale.

Terry

 

[The patriot]

I pulled off the arm on the solenoid and lubed it up with oil first (was getting sticky) and then a few days later after it loosened a bit I went at it with never seize.

This was about 2 years ago and it hasnt been a problem since.

I use never sieze on just about everything I take apart. It helps a LOT!

Eric



PS I wasnt having any problems with it, just noticed it was rusty looking.

 

[ChrisSmith]

I had this same problem on my 1997 dually. It was caused by the Fuel Shutoff relay that is attached to the cab near the rear of the engine. Even though I measured the correct resistance accross the relay coil, it still would't work under load conditions. So long as you can physically move the solenoid plunger by hand, it should not be the source of your problem.



There are accually two independent coils in the Fuel Shutoff Solenoid. This relay closes the circuit to the secondary (pull up) coil in the Fuel Shutoff Solenoid which gives it the extra "umph" to engage. Once you let off the key Start position the primary (hold) coil stays closed which keeps the plunger in the engaged position and the engine running. When the key is turned off, the primary circuit is opened which consequently shuts off the fuel source to the engine.



Good luck,