Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starting trouble, have to pump throttle

[CSloat]

A while ago I noticed that after I had been driving the truck for a couple of hours it wouldn't restart unless I pumped the throttle while cranking. I posted the question here and someone suggested I remove this little boot (forgot what it's proper name is) on the side of the fuel pump. I did that and the problem seemed to get a little better for a while.



Now I have to pump the throttle every time I want to start the truck, hot or cold. When I crank the truck over it always runs for a fraction of a second like it's going to start, then shuts down. Even if I hit the accelerator once while I'm cranking or depress it when the engine catches it still shuts down. The only way I can start it is to pump (several times fast) WHILE I'm cranking...



Any ideas/suggestions?



Thanks,

Craig

 

[mainer]

This might be a long shot, but I'd get someone to turn her over w/o using any throttle, and you watch the fuel solenoid plunger on the after end of the injector pump to see if it's fully moving into the up (run) position, and staying there. You can move it up with your hand to get an idea of how far it goes - try that with the engine "OFF" and key "OFF". You might have a solenoid problem, or with any luck it's the relay connected to it, which is alot cheaper. I can't explain the pumping, unless that is jerking stuff around just enough to shake things into place. Maybe someone will give you a more educated and experienced answer. Good luck. Guy

 

[DSiemens]

Sounds like fuel problem to me. Have you changed the fuel return and supply lines?

 

[DMC]

The shutdown solenoid could be hanging a little, or be out of adjustment. You say you have removed the boot on the side of the fuel pump. Was this the boot on the shutdown solenoid?

Have you drained your fuel filter lately?

Are your fuel lines in good shape?

What is your idle set at?

How many miles since you changed the fuel filter?

Could also be overflow valve.

Could be the lift pump.



Tell you what you do first go to the truck, open the hood and manually prime the system with the primer bulb on the lift pump. Pump it until you feel good resistance, and then continue until you hear a faint squeal. That will be the overflow valve popping releaing pressure. See if it cranks easier by doing this. Don't use any pedal unless the ouside temps are below 40*.



Get back on what you find.



Don

 

[Joe G.]

You need to check your fuel pressure to get some idea about what is going on.

 

[JohnE]

Try advancing the throttle to the point where it starts and then letting it settle back to throttle. Diesel injected engines are not the same as old gasser engines where you pump the throttle to get added fuel. Pumping while cranking means you simply need more fuel to get it started.

Start with setting the idle a bit higher.



My truck is similar as I have the idle screw very low. A tight torque converter and winter temps force me into this.

I really envy the electron fuelers (24 valves) as their idle speed is compensated.

 

[DMC]

I wonder if CSloat ever found the problem?



Don