V-10 Starting Problems

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Jun 8, 2003 | 12:39 PM

SRT

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V-10 Starting Problems

Having a starting problem with a 1999 F-250 V-10 with 43,000 miles. It starts and then immediately dies when cold. If I pump the gas a little and then race the engine when starting (up around 2000 rpm), it will start and eventually run OK. Always starts fine when warm.

The same thing happened about two years ago when it was still under warranty; the dealer work order says they changed the air filter and cleaned the injectors. So I replaced the air filter and dumped a bottle of injector cleaner (Gum Out) in the gas tank; which cured the problem. Next tank of gas the starting problem reappeared – so I poured two bottles of NAPA injector cleaner in the tank – and again it seems to have fixed the problem – at least temporarily. Incidentally, I always use Chevron 87 octane.

So what’s going on here? Do I need to replace the injectors? Or run something stronger through them (Draino)? Or is there something else here I’m missing? Thanks.

Jun 8, 2003 | 03:02 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

V-10 Starting Problems

You may have water in the gas tank. I would change out the fuel filter, but check the fuel that comes out of it. Drain the filter into a glass container and see if any water sinks to the bottom. Also, check your fuel pressure. Idle and throttle tip-in are the times when the engine is most sensative to low fuel pressure.

Jun 8, 2003 | 03:49 PM

SRT

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V-10 Starting Problems

The fuel filter has never been changed, so I need to do that anyway; but didn’t think it would be responsible for this hard-cold-starting problem, since the truck runs so well under load and at high speed. I guess water is a possibility, but I’m the only driver and it’s kept garaged most of the time – so don’t know how it would have gotten in there unless Chevron sold it to me. I’ll change the filter & check the fuel pressure – what’s the normal/acceptable range? Thanks.

Jun 8, 2003 | 04:18 PM

Bob Ayers

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From: Durham, NC

V-10 Starting Problems

It sounds like your IAC valve is not working correctly. You can try
cleaning this valve to see if it helps. One thing that bothers me,
I don't see a connection between the IAC valve being bad, and
the fuel injector cleaner helping your problem. Have you scanned
for codes????

Oh, almost forgot.....welcome to FTE!!!

Jun 8, 2003 | 07:50 PM

SRT

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V-10 Starting Problems

Thanks, Bob – I’d have been here sooner if I’d known about it. Obviously, there’s a wealth of information here -- great site

I jumped on the injector angle, since that’s what had worked for the dealer last year; but not convinced that’s really the solution to the problem. Although, after several episodes of hard starts -- I’ve eliminated the problem twice by adding the injector cleaner and driving it for a few miles -- maybe it’s just a coincidence.

I must admit that I’m sort of “stuck in the 60’s” -- 4-barrels and all that. I don’t have a code reader, and I don’t know what an IAC valve is -- obviously I need to get with it and buy a shop manual and find a code reader. Is it practical for a shade-tree-mechanic to buy one of those readers, or are they exorbitantly expensive? Could you recommend a good one? Thanks, Steve

Jun 9, 2003 | 02:52 AM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

V-10 Starting Problems

For your truck, a generic OBDII code scanner will work. These usually are around $100 for a decent one- stay away from the $20 Autobone junk. They just give the code, and you have to cross reference the number to a manual. The next step beyond that, to get full diagnostics, would be to get a Snap-on scanner, like they use in shops. Those typically run over $3k, but for what you need, a regular code scanner is fine. I would pick up either a Haynes or Chiltons manual for your truck, and spend some quality time with it. Either that, or watch Ebay for dealership service manuals. I don't believe that Motorhaven has a book for this new of a truck.

Jun 9, 2003 | 01:47 PM

randallc

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From: Vancouver - BC - Canada

V-10 Starting Problems

Try Royal Purple Fuel system cleaner, Get two bottles and use them one after another. Fill your tank and add one bottle, drive it until you are on empty, then fill your tank and use the other bottle.

Change your fuel filter and check for any kinks in your fuel lines.

If none of this works, have your fuel system flushed and run 94 Octaine gas for a month or two.

Also, if you are going to one gas station all the time, try another one. Sometimes their gas gets contaminated and will screw up some but not all cars and trucks that get gas at that location.

Welcome to the forums