Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Won't run

[gcorron]

alright guys, I'm gonna throw this one out and see if it sticks on the wall. :-laf

My 97 will start, but will not run. Yup, the solenoid is working fine, checked it. Later this afternoon I will replace the fuel filter because it really needs it.

Severe arthritis in my back, can only go so far or I would have posted this AFTER replacing the filter, but do value the opinions here greatly and thought I might get a few ideas just in case. There does not appear to be any fuel under the truck or on the engine. I replaced the return lines some time ago and since there is no mess like there was when it went bad I'm not suspecting that as the problem. The lines were replaced from the fuel sending unit to down under the truck, and again, no mess so I don't suspect that either. I could be wrong, it's happened before!

Problem here is, since it's a 97, if it's getting air, fuel, and spinning (and since it actually catches it seems to be) it should be running. Kind of confusing, anyone have any ideas OTHER than loose nut behind the wheel?


George

 

[GAmes]

You are POSITIVE the FSS is staying up when you release the key? All the way up?

 

[fest3er]

Are you certain there's enough fuel in the tank? And that fuel does get into the basket? (I dropped my fuel tank four times before I got it right. I reassembled the basket incorrectly and the valve at the bottom of the basket wasn't opening.)

 

[gcorron]

Thanks guys! My neighbor who normally would give me a hand (turn the key while I watch the positioning of the FSS) was about 60 miles away when I called, so it is postponed until the AM.

GAmes, the answer is no I'm not, but it is first to be checked when someone can sit in the cab.

Neal, nothing has changed since I replaced the fuel sender about 4 years ago, so as far as I know, but if the FSS is correct, then it's crack a line to make sure the fuel is being delivered. I removed the heater LONG ago so that is not leaking. BTW, I intended to simply replace the fuel sending unit as I had driven about 2-3 years not certain of the fuel level, but the entire basket was rotted and laying in the bottom of the tank, what a nuisance!

The thing that makes me still think FSS is that the last time I pulled it into the driveway, it was driving just fine, no problems or issues at all. The wife and I have had the creeping crud and have barely been out of the house for 2 weeks though, and the temps were fairly brutal, especially for VA for the last 4-5 days.

Thanks, full update in the morning.........I hope!

George

 

[fest3er]

There's a small chance the fuel gelled. As warm as it stays here in SWVA, I *have* had fuel gel in January when it got really chilly; but that was with a load of fuel from November (I don't drive so much any more).

And, one time up in Dexter, MI, when it got to -20 or so, the engine would start, run a short while, then die. I ended up getting the engine started and immediately pulling it into my brother's garage. And I put a propane heater under the tank, lines, prescreener, etc. After an hour, fuel was warm enough for the engine to run, and the anti-gel I'd put in earlier finally mxied in. No problem heading to Indy that morning.

So if your fuel is old-ish and the temp dropped to 10°F or so (as it did here recently), it might just be gelled fuel. Too bad the hot air in DC doesn't travel well.

 

[gcorron]

True that Neal. Like you, I do not drive nearly as much now, so the fuel is not being 'rotated'. I keep Diesel 911 around just for that purpose, I may have to start using additive in the truck. So far this morning I have been interrupted every time I got near the truck and in the morning I have amateur radio tests, but I will get through it in the next day or so.

I went to a single battery system some years ago because I keep it plugged in at night and it just does not require 2 batteries. I have had to hit the battery twice in the last few months because it sat too long, so to say it sits a LOT more than it used to is an understatement.

Thanks,

George

 

[GAmes]

All you need to do to see if the FSS is staying up is to attempt a start, then leave the key on when the engine dies. The lever should stay up. If it doesn't you probably just need a relay.
https://www.genosgarage.com/product/lb-ss70a/fuel-system-accessories-replacement-parts

Maybe this link will help.

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-engine/569868-fuel-shut-off-solenoid-fss.html

 

[gcorron]

It is with GREAT sadness that I report my own ignorance!!!! Not so much as a testament to my ignorance, but as a warning to others that may follow!

Close GAmes, very close. This is something I was wondering if it could be happening, but until I saw it with my own eyes could not confirm. I did have to have someone in the operators seat while I was under the hood though.

The FSS was pulling up on start, and if you looked at it, it was up. So why am I not getting fuel? Why won't it stay lit?

I went to a one battery system years ago, no regrets. I use an Optima Red Top. 2 years ago the original, nearly 10 years old, finally gave up the ghost. I have had to charge this new one several times, which ticks me off considering the cost. I cannot walk enough to work anymore, so like Neal, I do not put many miles/hours on the truck like I used to.

Neighbor in the drivers seat, OK try to start. FSS pulls up, it catches - and the FSS drops out, WTF?

Just a hunch, grab my battery load tester. 10.5 volts and it says the battery is weak. When you turned the key to start, the FSS pulled up, BUT when you release the key to the run position it falls out, battery voltage was too low. First I've ever heard of this one, you wouldn't think it would happen that way, AND the battery should have been the very first thing I checked. That was late Friday.

Put a charger/conditioner on the battery, rained yesterday and I was at amateur radio tests most of the morning, did not fool with it. I don't like getting wet anymore unless I really have to, old guys, go figure.

This morning I remove the charger...........fired right up, and stayed that way!

I wanted to let everyone know. I've never seen an FSS act that way, but it is worthy of note. Hey, learn from the mistakes/stupidity of others, you can't possibly do it all yourself!

Thanks everyone,

George

 

[BigPapa]

Good catch, George. Glad you got it fixed.