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Engine won't start after refueling

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Old Nov 5, 2003 | 11:08 AM
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Engine won't start after refueling

I have a problem with my '90 Bronco (350), that after I ride for awhile and then refuel, the engine won't start. It won't even turn over! If you let it sit for about 10 minutes it will start right up. Any ideas?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2003 | 11:48 AM
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From: Bend,OR
sounds like vapor lock. have you checked your fuel pressure regulator. if you pull the vacum line and gas comes out theres your problem. also your motor is a 351 (350 is chevy) does this only happen after refueling
 
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Old Nov 5, 2003 | 02:09 PM
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350, 351... whatever it takes. Yes, it only seems to happen upon refueling. I am not very truck literate, if you hadn't noticed already, so where do I hunt for my fuel pressure regulator? What is perplexing to me is that the engine won't turn over, as if the battery is dead, but the truck has two batteries with an isolater and as stated before if I wait 5 to 10 minutes it will start.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2003 | 03:29 PM
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your starter may be going out to. buy a chiltons, or haynes manual for your bronco. it will tell and show you everything. probably need to take starter off and have an autoparts store test it. . might also clean your battery posts, with baking soda and water then wipe them down good and reconnect.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2003 | 04:35 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions. I have already changed the starter and cleaned the posts. I guess I will try to look at the routing of the fuel lines in the engine. Thanks again for you help
 
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Old Nov 5, 2003 | 04:38 PM
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the fpr is on the drivers side of the upper intake manifold in the back. its got a vacum line going into it.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2003 | 08:22 PM
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From: NJ ... the garbage state
if you drive the truck till it gets hot, shut it off for the same amount of time as refueling, and then try to restart, does it do the same thing, or is it only when refueling? i would have definatly said starter, cause its hot and taking a lot more amps. the second thing i would replace is the battery ground wire, they usually get cracks and corrode somewhere along the frame, and simply cant flow enough amps to turn the starter, no matter how many batteries and amps of power you have. i have had this happen several times on several trucks. to test it you could just hook a good ground cable from your battery directly to your engine block somewhere. they are cheap enough and easy enought to replace that i would jstu do it anyhow. dont buy the cheasy 8 gauge ones either. while under ther ei woudl also check the hot line to the starter.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2003 | 06:45 AM
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I have tried driving the truck till it gets hot, then shutting it off, waiting a minute and it restarts no problem. I haven't tried waiting 5 minutes, a typical gas filling time. This has only happened to me at gas stations after refueling. I will try the ground cable.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2003 | 02:55 PM
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From: Myrtle Point, Or
Well, I can't see why refueling would cause it not to crank over. U must be doing something diff when u refuel, then normal stopping.

I can't think if any reason that would keep the motor from cranking over, just because u put fuel in it. Makes no sence at all.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2003 | 03:04 PM
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From: NJ ... the garbage state
yea, i agree, it doesnt make sences that its the fuel. when the starter just went in my truck, if i let it get hot, shut off and started, it was fine. but if i shut if off and ran into wawa or something to get a soda, and came back 5 - 15 minutes later, it would crank real slow, until that day it didnt crank anymore. but hey, at least it was in my driveway and in the evnening/afternoon and didnt have to go anywhere, was just moving out of someones way. heck, my brother even had the tow truck there and tried jumping it off the tow truck .. wouldnt help. since you say u replaced the starter, thats why i guess the ground cable first.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2003 | 03:23 PM
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From: Bend,OR
or a possible solenoid on the fender that the starter cable connects to.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2003 | 03:59 PM
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Thanks for the great suggestions. I will try the ground cable. And do a longer restart test.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2003 | 04:36 PM
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Sounds a lot like a bad battery to me. Start with the cables though. Then get it warmed up and go have the batt and starter checked at the parts store. By the time you go in and get someone to come out and look at it, it'll be about the same as fueling.
 
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