Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Why so hard to start after upgrades?

[Willys]

Does it smoke any at startup? white or black? The last few winters mine would idle rougher than in the past at startup, I'm anxious to see if this adjustment changed it any. If I start it and use the pedal, I puff out a nice little black cloud- fun when someone is standing there. :laf:



The pre-filter is lower on the driver side of the engine, between the power steering pump and the lift pump. There is a heater element there, the strainer bowl is attached to the bottom. Screw it off, and there will be a screen in it, held it by a nut. Take it out and clean it. I think I posted pics of it somewhere on here, PM me your email address and I can send you pics of it.



edit: Found something :

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/pre-filt_clean.htm

 

[ELake]

no it doesnt smoke at all at start up. I have noticed that prolonged idling (5 minutes or longer) it starts to puff a little white smoke but only when the engine is cold.

I'm going to check the fuel pressure with a gauge tonight hopefully... . that will tell the tale because I think I have the symptoms of a lift pump - I never could figure out what that ticking noise was when I get out of the truck and its running and you can hear it clear as a bell from the drivers side... sounds almost like a small exhaust leak or something

 

[JGheen]

You may also want to check the leak at the injector. If the bottom sealing ring is leaking, it will show as dirty, almost engine oil looking. Will not cause hard starting issue though.

No, the fuel around the injector hold down nut is clean looking fuel, so that tells me it is probably the drain manifold washer or the injector line nut. I got a bunch of the horse-shoe sealer washers coming from Cummins West this morning so I will replace tomorrow and see how it goes.



Anyone know what the torque is on those drain manifold bolts?



Joe

 

[JGheen]

no it doesnt smoke at all at start up. I have noticed that prolonged idling (5 minutes or longer) it starts to puff a little white smoke but only when the engine is cold.

I'm going to check the fuel pressure with a gauge tonight hopefully... . that will tell the tale because I think I have the symptoms of a lift pump - I never could figure out what that ticking noise was when I get out of the truck and its running and you can hear it clear as a bell from the drivers side... sounds almost like a small exhaust leak or something

I too have the same ticking and it has seemed to get louder recently since the new injector install. Thought it was an exhaust leak to but I don't think our exhaust leaks have a ticking sound, it should be a steady flow, not pulsing but i could be wrong.

It's weird though, when I get underneath the truck the sound comes from the fuel tank area and not near the lift pump on the engine. I don't know, I am probably due for a lift pump soon as well. Ticking used to be intermitent and now it is all the time. Truck still runs good though. I will probably just try the OF valve first since it is easier than the pump.



Joe

 

[HFreeman]

Starting / shutoff solenoid.

JGheen. DO NOT lube the solenoid !!! Lube will cause dust/dirt do stick on plunger and it will bind in no time. Get a good electronic degreaser ( no lube ). Clean plunger and coil housing well. FYI if you keep voltage on to the pull-in coil for more than about 30 seconds you will get to watch the pretty grey smoke. Been there, done that. LOL