Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starts 1/4 turn then dies after 30 secs?

[ddutil]

Guys, your ideas please:



In cool (20F) weather my 96 starts fine (with the grid heather cycling as usual) but dies after 30 secs or so, just like something either over-fueled it or 'under-air-ed' it.



Then, it cranks and cranks and coughs and coughs and ends up in a white smoke show when I 'wot' it. I noticed that the grid heater does not cycle anymore then.



I had problems recently with the starter and its solenoid, and ended changing both the ignition switch and the starter. Also noticed a loose collar in the fuel line, that was fixed as well. As I had also a transmission behaving strangely, TPS and the suite were checked and adjusted and PCM was updated with real DC software.



Should I search for electrical problems from the ignition switch/anti-theft circuits, or oxygen sensor, or some obscure solenoid, or confess my sins and light a candle at Notre-Dame-Des-Trucks (I know, that's long due) ? :{



Thanks! Dan

 

[R.ebel]

Air

Sounds like you are getting some air in the fuel system. Check your supply and return lines, they are well known for developing pin hole leaks.

 

[Joe G.]

Usually, bad hoses make it hard to start but it will usually run ok after it starts. Gets worse over time until it is a real bear to start and runs bad.



I think you need to check fuel pressure while the problem is happening. Have you checked the pre-filter screen? It make be plugged up so that fuel flow is restricted. Have you changed your fuel filter? It may have problems. The overflow valve may be sticking open. It looks like a fuel flow problem to me.

 

[CumminsAholic]

I agree with Joe. Check your fuel pressure. We had an 89 and now a 93 that did the same thing. They started fine when it was warm out, but when it was cold (freezing) they started and died like that and were a real bear to get started again. Had to hold them wide open and crank forever just like you do. It was the lift/transfer pump on both of them. They were totally unoperable. Replaced and now they start great and stay running. I think the injector pump could suck warm fuel past the bad pump, but when it was cold and the fuel was thicker it had a really hard time drawing it past a bad pump.

Corey