Starting Troubles

[dusthomps]

Guys,



Here's my latest situation. My 92 D250 hasn't been starting well for about three months now. Seems to want to hit and start but then dies. It will start with the throttle held down, and once started, smokes a white haze like I've never seen before and runs rough for about 45 seconds and then clears up. When the engine is warm, it will light right off. Headgasket was replaced about 3000 miles ago, and Sunday I put in a new set of Bosch 185's. I also turned up the idle, but it still won't start like it should. Any ideas on what I should look for or possible replace?





Thanks in advance,

Dustin

 

[Jdonoghue]

Sounds like air is getting into the fuel system. Be sure you don't have any leaks anywhere - even tiny ones - they'll let air in when the truck sits, as the fuel slowly drains back to the tank.

 

[DR308]

Dustin:



I am new to this sight, but I have owned a few other diesel's in the past. [ford 6. 9, a few vw's] I have found a couple of things in common with all of them.



1. Battery MUST be in great shape as well as your cables.



2. Glow plugs Must be in great shape as well as your wireing to them.



3. Injector pump Must be in great shape as well as your primary fuel pump up to the injector pump and ALL the fuel lines, and return lines.



If ALL these things are up to snuff, It should start like a champ.

I hope this helps. -------- Doc

 

[MMiller]

I theory of an injection pump, holding the throttle to the floor does nothing. Normal startup on any injection pump is the pump goes to full fuel until startup and the flyweights move out to set idle. It should start without holding it to the floor, Does it??



I agree with air in the system, or possible a weak lift pump. Does anybody know if there is a check valve in the lift pump, it might allow fuel to drain back to tank.



Does the truck run fine? Is it doggy, low power, or just struggling to fire?? Anything else you have noticed, poor fuel economy? It isn't using any water, or oil is it? Does is spin over fine?



If there are any holes in the fuel line then when the truck sits, it will allow fuel to run back to the tank. I have seen this problem before, and no it does not always show up as a fuel leak when running. I know kinda impossible , but belive me its not.



Give us some more info,



Michael

 

[dusthomps]

Michael,



The fuel economy has dropped since this problem started. The truck turns over just fine and uses no water or oil. After the truck has ran for about a minute, it drives just fine. Power and acceleration hasn't changed. If you crank it long enough, it will start, however, it starts sooner with the throttle down.



Hope this info helps... .

Dustin

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Cummins don't have glow plugs... . thank Our Lady Of Acceleration for that one ... .



I'd vote for lift pump or fuel solenoid is pooched or, it's pooching' on ya.....



pb...

 

[JLEONARD]

Cummins don't have glow plugs... . thank Our Lady Of Acceleration for that one

PLUS... you don't need the grid heater to start this time of year.

I also suspect an air leak.

Can you get someone to "pressurize" the fuel tank while you look for leaks? A rag wrapped around an air hose stuffed into the fuel fill will accomplish this. All you need is a few psi in the tank. .

My son and I used this method to find leaks in his 95... we looked for quite a while before we tried this.

Good luck.

Jay