So I finally bought my first diesel and im confused . I got a 96 f 250 powerstroke for fairly cheap, had to put a clutch in it and now I've turned my attention to its starting problem. It takes about 25 to 30 seconds of cranking before it fires up and within 30 minutes of shutting off its hard to start again. It seems like its losing prime because it starts with starting fluid but the fuel filter bowl on top stays full. I'm just looking for suggestions on what to check next, thanks guys!



John

 

Look for oil leaks. The injectors are operated by high pressure oil. Check the HPOP reservoir after it sits for a while.

Stop using the starting fluid. Hot glow plugs and starting fluid do not mix well.

 

The fact that the glow plugs did not ignite the starting fluid suggests that the glow plugs are inop.

 

Check your fuel pressure while cranking (when it wont start) by using a tire gauge and the port on the side of the fuel bowl.

Might be a weak fuel pump.

Richard

 

I had already checked the hpop and engine oil and they were both full, closed them up and tried to start it and it still took a couple cranks. And yea I know better than to use the starting fluid, and yea it is pretty dumb, but I used it that time because it was all I could think of to tell if it was fuel or glow plugs.

I tried this just now and it wouldnt even register on the gauge until it started, that kinda seems like a fuel pump right?

 

maybe... you might want to replace the fuel pump and rebuild the fuel bowl just to be sure.

Good first project anyway. Cost you less than $100 in parts and a weekend.

Richard