Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Update on Hard to Start Issue

[95REDRAM]

First let me say thanks to all the folks who offered ideas and suggestions on my previous post a few days back on the same subject. After finally getting some time to work on my truck I find that I have a problem with the fuel shutdown solenoid. My problem is the opposite of what most people seem to have with them. The solenoid will pull-up just fine. The problem is that when the ignition key is released after the truck starts, the solenoid drops-out. This explains why it starts right up and then cuts off just as quickly.



For now I am putting the ignition switch in the run position and raising the solenoid manually and it will stay up if I do that. I then get in the truck and start it up.



I still need to check things out with a voltmeter but I figure it's either the fuel relay or fuel solenoid. I saw in another post the idea of replacing the solenoid with a manual cable. I really like the idea and think I'll check into it some more. It works great on the 18 wheelers I've driven.



As always, any and all comments and suggestions are appreciated.

 

[95REDRAM]

Forgot to mention earlier, this problem is much worse when the truck sits overnight. I did the manual lift thing on the solenoid this morning and the truck started right up. The fact that it is worse after sitting is one of the reasons I first thought it was air in the fuel lines. Anyone have any ideas why it is worse after sitting? Oh well, guess it doesn't much matter since I'm going to switch over to a cable.

 

[M Barnett]

I had one last week that would drop when the start position of the ignition switch was released. Following somebodys advise I unplugged the fuel relay and plugged it back in, it worked!

Michael