Starting Problem???
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Starting Problem???
Hi there,
In the last day or so I've been having trouble starting my 2001 E-350 Van. When I crank it over I have to give it some gas before it will stumble to life. There is a bit of smoke from the exaust after it fires up. However, after it's going, it purrs like a kitten and seems to have all the power it ever has.
I changed my oil to full synthetic about 3 weeks ago, and it's been running better than ever since, but I have heard that it may take some time to adapt to the new fluids.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what could be making my van sick?
BTW if you've run it for a while it will still have difficulty starting, even if you restart within 30 seconds or so...
Thanks so much!
Banta
In the last day or so I've been having trouble starting my 2001 E-350 Van. When I crank it over I have to give it some gas before it will stumble to life. There is a bit of smoke from the exaust after it fires up. However, after it's going, it purrs like a kitten and seems to have all the power it ever has.
I changed my oil to full synthetic about 3 weeks ago, and it's been running better than ever since, but I have heard that it may take some time to adapt to the new fluids.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what could be making my van sick?
BTW if you've run it for a while it will still have difficulty starting, even if you restart within 30 seconds or so...
Thanks so much!
Banta
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,245
Likes: 16
From: Vancouver Wash USA
Originally Posted by banta24
Hi there,
In the last day or so I've been having trouble starting my 2001 E-350 Van. When I crank it over I have to give it some gas before it will stumble to life. There is a bit of smoke from the exaust after it fires up. However, after it's going, it purrs like a kitten and seems to have all the power it ever has.
I changed my oil to full synthetic about 3 weeks ago, and it's been running better than ever since, but I have heard that it may take some time to adapt to the new fluids.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what could be making my van sick?
BTW if you've run it for a while it will still have difficulty starting, even if you restart within 30 seconds or so...
Thanks so much!
Banta
In the last day or so I've been having trouble starting my 2001 E-350 Van. When I crank it over I have to give it some gas before it will stumble to life. There is a bit of smoke from the exaust after it fires up. However, after it's going, it purrs like a kitten and seems to have all the power it ever has.
I changed my oil to full synthetic about 3 weeks ago, and it's been running better than ever since, but I have heard that it may take some time to adapt to the new fluids.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what could be making my van sick?
BTW if you've run it for a while it will still have difficulty starting, even if you restart within 30 seconds or so...
Thanks so much!
Banta
synth oils have a tendency to evaporate sort of and cause a puff in some of the V-10's.
It may have some convoluted path up to your emissions system that has gummed up your maf sensor and causing a hard start, or maybe it's just dirty. Clean it gently with some alcohol dipped q-tips. The wires are small, be careful, if you bust one it's all over rover.
Other than that, if it continues Fred can help, he knows everything.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46
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From: MN
You may want to ck the fuel pressure regulator it could be leaking , best way is to remove the vacuum line and see if any fuel comes out if it does the diaphram is ruptured and will give you symptoms like the engine is flooded.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
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From: NE Texas
Originally Posted by ken04
It may have some convoluted path up to your emissions system that has gummed up your maf sensor and causing a hard start, or maybe it's just dirty. Clean it gently with some alcohol dipped q-tips. The wires are small, be careful, if you bust one it's all over rover.
Other than that, if it continues Fred can help, he knows everything.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 3
From: Phenix City, AL
How many miles do you have on it? I'd have to agree with Big Orn and check the fuel filter. I would also pull the plugs and check them out too along with the plug wires. Pull the air filter and clean it as well.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Vancouver Wash USA
Originally Posted by Fredvon4
I would rather clean or replace an IAC (the most likely problem) then screw around with an IUD (pun intended)
aaawwwwwwww,,,,,,ggggrrrroooooaaaaannnnnnnnn, good one Fred, heh heh heh, Ken
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Haha, I'm pretty sure it's the IUD. 
Actually, I got it to my mechanic and he got a CHT sensor code when he diagnosed it. He changed out the sensor, but it was still giving the code. After a full computer reset, the code went away and it started perfectly... the first time. Then the code came back again. He now thinks it's the wiring to the sensor or the computer itself.
I've had to take it to the (ugh) dealer, but only authorized the minimum fee for diagnosis. Hopefully I won't have to replace the computer. If I do, is it something I can do myself? i.e. one harness to unplug, swap computer, re-plug type thing, or is this gonna cost my left kidney?
Thanks!
Actually, I got it to my mechanic and he got a CHT sensor code when he diagnosed it. He changed out the sensor, but it was still giving the code. After a full computer reset, the code went away and it started perfectly... the first time. Then the code came back again. He now thinks it's the wiring to the sensor or the computer itself.
I've had to take it to the (ugh) dealer, but only authorized the minimum fee for diagnosis. Hopefully I won't have to replace the computer. If I do, is it something I can do myself? i.e. one harness to unplug, swap computer, re-plug type thing, or is this gonna cost my left kidney?
Thanks!
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
The computer is pretty easy to change, however, that's probably not the problem.
Just because the computer says a sensor is out of range doesn't mean the sensor is bad. It's very likely something else is causing it.
The Cylinder Head Temp sensor may actually be seeing something wrong.
Or, did you leave out your thermostat?
How's the engine temp otherwise?
Just because the computer says a sensor is out of range doesn't mean the sensor is bad. It's very likely something else is causing it.
The Cylinder Head Temp sensor may actually be seeing something wrong.
Or, did you leave out your thermostat?
How's the engine temp otherwise?