stumped starting problem
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: MI -- farmboy
stumped starting problem
ok, I replaced glow plugs (put in motorcraft/beru), glow plug controller, oil pressure sensor, fuel filter, return lines, and 2 new batteries. I found some bad connections and fixed them, wire brushed all the connections for the gp relay. I still have the original problem of having to hit 2 or 3 times to start. The wait-to-start light only stays on for 4 to 5 seconds, even after all the $ I just put into this thing. The only info I have is, after cranking for several seconds, I still smell diesel smoke from the exhaust and when I press in the schrader valve I get a little air hiss. Remind you, at this point the truck is not running. What in the heck is wrong ?
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: MI -- farmboy
ok, what would be the next step ? I have not noticed any fuel weeping going on at the injectors, and the truck never stalls. Once started it runs great, other than the super low oil pressure. I changed the sending unit tonight and it still read low. To make sure I actually had oil pressure, I left the sensor out and cranked to motor over. I now have half a quart on the floor. Maybe the gauge is bad or maybe I really have low pressure. one of my friends has the same truck as me, and has the same problems as me. Low oil pressure and hard starting. I have not stuck a "real" oil gauge on it yet, that will be done after I fix the starting problem.
Would the stock mech pump be bad ? Sucking air or pumping air ?
Would the stock mech pump be bad ? Sucking air or pumping air ?
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Pull the wire off the fuel shut of solenoid, front wire on the right side of the pump looking from the front.
At the schrader valve, pull the tire valve core out, put a pressure guage on it and you should have about 4-6 PSI cranking the engine. Then replace the guage with a short piece of hose. Have someone crank the engine for you and catch the fuel in a suitable container. You should have 1/3 pint in 10 seconds of cranking.
If it passes both of these tests the lift pump is OK.
At the schrader valve, pull the tire valve core out, put a pressure guage on it and you should have about 4-6 PSI cranking the engine. Then replace the guage with a short piece of hose. Have someone crank the engine for you and catch the fuel in a suitable container. You should have 1/3 pint in 10 seconds of cranking.
If it passes both of these tests the lift pump is OK.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
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Like dave said, it sounds like fuel is draining back into the tank and air is entering the system when its not running. The pump only works when the engine is turning over so if it gets any air at all, it must pump for a while before the air is purged, this means extended cranking. If the mechanical pump where the trouble it would have probably issues once you got it started as well. Since it runs well once started its most likely something more static than the fuel pump, like the check valve
good luck
good luck
Post Fiend
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From: Manitoba
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Northeastern Pa - USA
Jeff, just humor the hell out of me and use the block heater for a couple hours before you start the engine. I would imagine if you had any fuel in the system, it would start, even if for a short while. My 88 had a problem like yours and it was corrosion on the wire end on the glow plug controller. If using the heater doesnt help, try parking the truck with the nose low and see if that helps for starting. That way the fuel wont run back to the tank. You might also want to check the oil level and make sure the lift pump isnt leaking into the crankcase. Get back to us.
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: MI -- farmboy
I am almost 100% convinced that it is an air problem. I have not had time to troubleshoot since this weekend, but I am still driving it. I think Bikepilot is right and my fuel is draining back. That explains why I have to hit it 2 or 3 times. When it starts, it starts RIGHT NOW with no missing or hessitation. problem is, it take a lot of cranking to bring the fuel back up. I am going to check the check valve then I will probly install an electric fuel pump between the front tank and mech pump.
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