Hard Starting Diesel
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Hard Starting Diesel
I have a 1991 diesel truck that has ran fine but has slowly started to act up on me.
First I noticed it was progressivly getting harder to start, I noticed diesel fuel on the top of the engine. I took it to a shop, they told me about a known problem with the fuel injector seals, so I got them to replace the injectors. Still had the hard time starting but now its to the point where i have to roll it down a hill and pop the clutch. If I leave the block heater on for 4 hours the engine starts without a problem, on the first crank. But if I try and start it after it has sat overnight it goes right back into stubborn mode. Once started and warmed up it will start on the first crank. I sure would like to know someones opinion on this.
First I noticed it was progressivly getting harder to start, I noticed diesel fuel on the top of the engine. I took it to a shop, they told me about a known problem with the fuel injector seals, so I got them to replace the injectors. Still had the hard time starting but now its to the point where i have to roll it down a hill and pop the clutch. If I leave the block heater on for 4 hours the engine starts without a problem, on the first crank. But if I try and start it after it has sat overnight it goes right back into stubborn mode. Once started and warmed up it will start on the first crank. I sure would like to know someones opinion on this.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Sounds like the classic air intrusion into the return lines...
Did they replace the injectors or put on a return line kit, or both? Do you still see or smell fuel? Don't be fooled though, air can still leak in where fuel doesn't always leak out.
The injectors were not the problem, the plastic caps, o-rings, and fuel lines between them were. If they did the complete return line fix, then you may have an air leak elsewhere.
Also -- how much fuel is in your tank, and do you park the truck level, pointed uphill, or downhill?
Did they replace the injectors or put on a return line kit, or both? Do you still see or smell fuel? Don't be fooled though, air can still leak in where fuel doesn't always leak out.
The injectors were not the problem, the plastic caps, o-rings, and fuel lines between them were. If they did the complete return line fix, then you may have an air leak elsewhere.
Also -- how much fuel is in your tank, and do you park the truck level, pointed uphill, or downhill?
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My 1989 did the same thing, so i replaced the glow plugs and the batterys, and that solved my problem. If your glow plugs and batterys check okay, then check out the starter. If your starter is dragging some that can cause hard starts . The faster the engine spins, the quicker the start, espically in cold weather.
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There is a smell and I can still see a place on the top of the engine where I see fuel at times. They replaced the injectors only. I noticed afterwards some rubber hoses that were cracked so i replaced the one that looked real bad. If this is a problem with the return lines going bad, why would it matter if i plug in the engine block heater? That has me puzzled. The truck has had pleanty of fuel and no fuel at times. It for the most part is level, but it has been parked at many grades.
I have replaced the Batterys, starter and fuel injectors.
I have replaced the Batterys, starter and fuel injectors.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
Glow plugs are likely to be the initial problem. If it was air intrusion, it would start, then die within 30 seconds, and no restart. Glow plugs can be alleviated a bit by plugging in.
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From: houma, louisiana
using a 12volt test light, unplug the wire off the top of the glowplug. connect the wire from the test light to a 12volt source and touch the point to the top of the glowplug, if the light comes on then the plug is good, if it doesnt its bad. chech each one like that to see if they are bad. if you peplace any replace them with only beru/ motorcraft plugs.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
You can take a test light, and check them by hooking the clip to the battery cable, and touch the terminal of the glow plug. If it lights, it is good, no light, no good. Shop around, they can be had for $8 or less. If you need them though, it would be best to replace them all.
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when your cranking the engine to start do you notice any smoke out of the exhaust. If not it is possible that air may be getting in the lines, or possibly a bad lift pump , which can cause strange problems sometimes.
Senior User
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From: houma, louisiana
dont realy think its fuel related, it has something to do with the glowplugs. when you turn the key on to warm the glowplugs do you hear the glowplug controller click. and when you turn the key on how long does the light stay on before it goes out?
Senior User
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From: houma, louisiana
that makesw me think its the glowplugs even more. if you dont have a test light you can use a volt meter to test them too. set it so you can check for continuity, - to a good ground(intake bolt), + to the probe on the glowplug. if it has continuity its good and if it doesnt its bad. i bought my plugs from autozone for $9.00each. it is recomended to change them all in a set if you change them. just remember buy the motorcraft beru plugs.