Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Trouble Starting

[TrqMonster]

I am on vacation in upstate New York. I am having problems starting my truck. It did the same thing a couple days ago but eventually it started.



The problem is that it turns over and acts like it wants to start but then it wont. The first time I had not had it plugged in over night and I thought was the problem or at least wasnt helping. Now, I have had it plugged in all night and all yesterday and this morning it started doing the same thing.



I researched a little, could it be the fuel shutoff solenoid? Any other ideas, I am supposed to leave for Indinana tommorow. Thanks

 

[Joe G.]

Have you tried giving it a little pedal when you start? If the idle is a little too low it can be hard to start in the cold without a little help from your foot. Also check your volt meter behaviour to see if the manifold heaters are working.

 

[Joe Mc]

Ditto what Joe G said - sometimes it's the simplist things that we don't try first which end up working. Very good point to look at the voltmeter while "wait to start" is on it should be lower than normal, if it doesn't change your manifold heater circuit could be the issue, relay, fusible link or heater itself.



Not sure if you know or not but just in case "DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE STARTING FLUID - NO NO NO!!!"



Might sound funny but it might work too - get a blow dryer going into the filter intake area if you have no change in voltmeter. At the least, the warm air may help combustion/ignition - never tried it but the theory sounds feesable??? Diesel needs a warm charge of air to help ignite under compression.



Good luck, hope you make it home safely and in time. Let us know how you made out.

 

[GAmes]

I researched a little, could it be the fuel shutoff solenoid?

That's easy to check. Turn the key on, push the solenoid lever up. It should stay. Try to start the truck. If it starts easy remove it and clean up the plunger at your first convenience.

 

[Slow Six]

A leaking fuel return line can cause hard starting as it allows air to get into the system and create hard starting. I had this happen on my 94. Once I changed the line problem solved.

 

[TrqMonster]

Ok, so I left it alone for awhile and went back out and started first try. Thats exactly what happened the other day when it occured.



Here is what happened both times. It sat for at least a day the first time unplugged with temperature about 40*. This time it sat for a day and night plugged in. Both times the fuel tank was under about 8 gallons. Also, I know my batteries are weak and repeated tries at starting wore them down. So after letting the truck sit for about an hour both times I put one of those portable jumpers on it and it fires on the first try.



I tried both times when it wouldnt start to give it fuel with the pedal and all it did was rev high for a second and quit. The grid heater does cycle as it was doing it today after it started. After it starts it runs just fine and restarts fine even hours after sitting. Where would I check the fuel return line?



Thanks for the help so far. I am hoping it gets me home to Indiana without any problems tommorow.

 

[Joe G.]

You have probably got an air leak. The most likely thing for that is the fuel hose. However, it's not the only thing. If it's running ok after it starts it should get you home ok. The fuel hose is a real PITA to change the first time. It would be a lot better if you have a good place to work and plenty of time to work. Especially, if it's not the fuel hose.

 

[Slow Six]

I agree with Joe G. It sure sounds like the fuel return hose and it is a royal PITA to change. Going from my feeble memory the line is located behind the pump and fuel filter. I think I ended up dropping the front drive shaft and the starter (not hard to do). I also needed a mirror to see up in there. As said before if you get it going you should be okay to get home. It has to sit over night usually to have a problem starting. The leak is caused by a deteiriating hose and may begin as hard starting problems before an actual leak will show up. There were a lot of discussions on this problem a few years ago when a lot of us were having this trouble. I really hate stuff like this when I am on the road and I know how you feel. Hope rest of trip is okay.

 

[TrqMonster]

Thanks for all the help, when I get home I will start to figure it out more. I have been going out and starting it evey couple hours and it starts fine right now. Just hope its not being a pain in the morning when I go to leave.



Again thank you for the fast responses.

 

[CarlJensen]

On mine the last episode like this was a bad overflow valve located at the front of the pump. They are not expensive and are easy to do compared to fuel line. You might give it a try. At the least you will have a spare and they do get weak so you will probably need it evetually. Also make sure the fuel solenoid lever goes all the way up and stays ther when you turn the key on and lift it.

 

[Joe G.]

It may very well be the OF valve. I don't think there is a fuel solenoid problem because it only does it after it has sat for some time like overnight. If the fuel hoses have not been replaced they should be regardless if they are the problem or not. Good diesel rated hose like Larryb sells is the stuff to get.

 

[TrqMonster]

I will look into the fuel lines and the OF valve. I made it home just fine, it started first try yesterday morning. It always seems like things give you trouble when you really dont need them too!



Thanks for all the help. I had the Travel Companion just in case, although I hope I never need to use it!