New Guy on the block here...sorry for any improprieties.
Recently purchased my first diesel (described by signature). Have gone through a litany of issues...replaced lift pump (kinda' surprised when the engine just quit)...replace transmission (now that upped the price of the truck).
Most recently we were returning home from a weekend camping and stopped for lunch. It was hot outside (98-102) and when we came out from lunch...no start!
Tried for about 2 hours before towing to Local Ford dealer...They got to it "first thing the next day", and, don't ya know, it started right up. I drove it straight home (no stops) and off-loaded stuff. Went to start it about 1/2 hour later...no start. The next morning; started fine.
Could the problem be the fuel shutoff selenoid? If so, where the heck is it?
I love this truck, but some of this has me baffled.
Any recommendations on manuals (good ones!) would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone else has experienced this "hot no start" phenomenon, any help will be greatly appreciated.
bob

 

The shut off selenoid is inside the injection pump. On the top of the pump its the first wire (towards rad) second wire is cold timing advance. With the engine off key on if you put your ear close you can hear a faint click when you pull it off. I would check it cold first (when you know its working so you can hear it) then check it when it will not start to see if this is the problem. I personally havent seen one go bad but its just a mechanical selenoid and they can go bad and by your symptoms thats where I would be looking.
I would recommened looking in the yellow pages for a diesel injection repair shop in your area for this problem as they will likely have more expertise in this area than your dealer who probably isnt looking to save you any money!

 

Thanks, I'll check for the 'faint' click. Any other suggestions will be appreciated.
bob

 

Do you puff white or black smoke out of the tail pipe when you crank the engine with the engine at normal operating temperature?

If there is no smoke then your injectors are not getting any fuel, start focussing on the fuel system: 1, Check the fuel shutoff solenoid for proper operation as mentioned above; 2, Do a fuel pressure check while cranking to make sure the fuel lift pump is working. 3, Check for air leaks.

If you have smoke, how fast does the motor crank? If it barely turns over because of old batteries than that is not enough to get it started. How old are your batteries, starter, battery cables? Do any of the battery connections get hot?

Sometimes the head on an old injection pumps gets hot, pour some cold water over it the next time this happens to see if if makes a difference in hot starting. If she starts right up you probably need to look into replacing the IP as the old pump is most likely on its last legs.

Hope this helps some.

Seb....

 

badam,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.

 

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions...I'll be looking at all of them.
Seb, I don't think there's any smoke upon cranking...which makes me think there's not fuel getting to the engine. There is a new lift pump on board (3-4 months old), but I also know that can put a new item on your engine and it may not be a good one.
Dave, thanks for the welcome...I'll be looking at the forum frequently, as I do want to increase my engine power. As I stated, I think everything is pretty much factory, so I know that there are things that can be done to increase power without sacrificing engine life. The truck is basically used for towing, both a 16' utility trailer and a tear-drop recreational trailer (T@B). So, really nothing too tough. But I'd like more "oomph" on the hills of New Mexico, not to mention Colorado.
Anyhow, thanks for all the advice...I'll be in touch
bob

 

By the way, Seb, the batteries appear to be in fine shape...We used them up pretty good on the trip when we cranked with no start; and by the time we got home, they were "topped off" and plenty strong. Spins the engine pretty fast.
bob

 

If the batteries are ok and you are not blowing smoke during hot cranking then it sure sounds like a fuel problem. The frustrating part is it only happens when the truck is hot.

 

Seb,
I agree, but again it leads me to the cut-off solenoid...we have a real good diesel garage locally, and I'm going to be checking with them. I have no reason to doubt that the IP is original equipment and with 175,000 on the engine, it could be feeling a bit sickly.
Thanks for the reply\
bob

 

badam--after the engine is nice and hot--shut if off---wont start???? go get a qt of 70 deg or so water--pour over the top off the injection pump--WAIT I MINUTE-or trouble--after the minute--crank it--start??? if so--you need a rebuilt injection pump--shut off solenoids go bad???? yep--happened to me--driving down road--killed--i mech for a living--thought what in h----towed it home 8 miles--checked for click in pump--none--pulled the top cap--and used the solenoid out of a gm 5.7 pump i had around--looks a bit diff--but works same--and costs much less!!!!!!!!!!!!! like nothing----------what happens is the pump wears over time--clearances in the pump increase tooooo much--tepid waer tightens it up temporary--and will start--also--pull the wire for the fuel shutoff--turn ign switch on--got fire--if so--touch the terminal back to the pump--it click--solenoid ok--forgot to tell-when mine went--shorted to ground!!! and blew the fuse also!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks to all for all the info...Checked for the "click" and got it...She would not start this morning...finally got her to "catch" and took her the local "good guy"...It appears it may be the IP...haven't heard the final verdict yet.