I am having problems with my 89 7.3, I have read alot on here and even ask a few questions about this and can't seem to nail it down. My truck is hard starting (have to crank it for 8 to 10 seconds before it will start, doesn't matter if it is hot or cold as long as it is shut off for longer than five minutes. I have replaced the lift pump, injector pump, return line kit, and the last thing was the injectors I was sure this was the problem I pulled them out and had them tested and only one tested decent and it was bad. even though the truck runs a lot better, it still has not fixed the starting problem. I haven't had a compression check but the engine feels very stong with no smoke except at startup and it is black. O' yeah I also replaced the starter bendix and it cranks over great with the two new batteries.
I am thinking it is a fuel problem bleeding off pressure as it sits but I can't find it (yet).
One of the questions I have besides (any ideas)? is when I shut the truck off and push the fuel bleeder valve in no fuel comes out but rather a sucking sound like the fuel is going back to the tank, is this normal? the reason I ask is I was thinking on my dads 6.9 if you pushed the bleeder in with the truck shut off it would spit a little fuel out like it was holding pressure.
this may sound like a silly question but I am really at a loss and I surely don't want to go to the ford dealer here in town (previous problems).

any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
Ben

 

Clamp off the return line to #1 injector, then try pushing the Schrader valve core in after shutdown. If the same thing with drain back we will go deeper into it.

 

I know this is a stupid question, but in all the changes you made, did you also change the fuel filter and if you did, did you lubricate the seal with oil and prefill the filter? If you compress the Schrader valve when the truck is shutdown, doesn't that allow air to enter the fuel filter? Assuming the injection timing is correct, and the truck is getting air to the intake, there are only two things a diesel needs to run, fuel and compression. If those are all present, then the problem is air in the system.

 

I just got back from checking that out. I started by clamping between the first and second injector and pushed the schrader valve in there was a slight pssst I released it and waited a second and pushed it again no noise. I unclamped the line and pushed the schrader back in and the noise was back. I did all this within a minute of shutting the truck off and at no time did fuel come out of the valve. is it supposed to?

 

Sorry I was not more specific re the clamping off the return.....from the filter header to #1 injector.

Do pressure and flow test of the fuel pump at the Schrader valve on the filter (FSS- fuel shutoff solenoid disconnected). Remove the tire valve core and hook a hose and pressure guage on it should see 4-6 psi when cranking. Then do a fuel quantity test same place, should see 1/3 pint in 10 seconds of engine cranking, route fuel to a suitable container with a hose.

If there is a problem with the lift pump and you are changing it, ensure the new pump comes with instructions as to correct installation procedure if it is the newer model pump with the almost straight arm.

Visit this page too........ http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/idi2.htm

 

I did both the first time just to make sure with the same results. clamping off the return line did make a difference with it clamped off no air was going into the shrader when it was pushed.

icambell; I did change the fuel filter and lubed the oring also filled the filter first then bleed it off after it was started.

plc7.3 the lift pump is new and it was the curved arm or at least the same as the on that came out. I did not do a pressure test on it afterwards I just assumed it was good but maybe I should huh?