I have had a problem starting my truck twice in about as many weeks. See if you can help me out.

First time, I cranked it over and it sputtered. I thought, Hmm. that is odd. This thing always starts. After about ten tries, I tried pumping the throttle. Bingo - she fires up...but...won't stay running. I try again, pumping the pedal again and it starts. I keep pumping it to keep it running. That works too. When I stop pumping it dies. Now, when it is running, it almost sounds muffled - like someone put a blanket under the hood. Anyway, I keep pumping and it keeps running. After about a minute or three, everything clears up and it runs like a top.

Second time happend today. Basically same story, only I caught on a bit quicker. Same gig - after getting it running for a while longer this time it runs ok.

Here is the thing. Both times when it would not start, it had set for a while (hour or more) after running for long enough to be plenty warm but both times it was cold (low 40s) and had started raining while it sat. That may just be coincidence, or it may have something to do with the symptom.

I know I am due for a fuel filter so I will just do that, but has anyone had experience with a fuel pump failing? Does this sound like that? One other thing I should mention: I have the 'poor mans FIPK' where I took the filter housing and cut away all of the front half but the mounting posts. I have a FRAM air filter in it and have run FRAM for some time with no problems. Could this FIPK-type deal cause the problem?

If it is the fuel pump, don't tell me. I can only have nightmares about how much that unit costs let alone costs to install!

Thanks for the help

Big

2000 F250 SD SC 5.4L Gasser
4.10s 4x4 L/S rearend
Western 7'6" plow
White with parchment cloth

 

I think it is the air idle control valve, mine did the same exact thing. Your warranty should cover that. mine did.

99xcab dark torredor clear mettalic

 

My rig is out of warranty. Is that a hard item to replace? I assume you had the dealer replace yours.

I still find it odd that both times this happened were after having run awhile and on a cold rainy day. Hmm.

Thanks for the info.

Big

2000 F250 SD SC 5.4L Gasser
4.10s 4x4 L/S rearend
Western 7'6" plow
White with parchment cloth

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Nov-02 AT 02:48 PM (EST)]My first inclination would also be to check the IAC valve. Short of that, it may be your intake system is restricted, or as you say it's related to rain, maybe allowing water into the intake system.

Having to open the throttle to start your vehicle is a sign of a rich condition, or the engine being flooded. With fuel injection it's difficult to produce an over fueling condition, so the likely culprit is a lack of air. The mixture requires more air for proper combustion than it's getting through the IAC, you're supplying that air by opening the throttle.

The IAC is relatively simple to replace and inexpensive. My guess is is if you search this board and the V10 board you'll come up with quite a few threads that detail the symptoms involved and the procedure for replacing your Idle Air Control valve.

Good Luck

Waxy

 

I have just purchased a f250 repair "manual'on a cd. I found it on ebay for around $5.00. I have not received it yet, but it appears to have all the info and pictures a dealer would have. I'll let you know. I figure, it would be good insurance for me if I should need to look something up.