Fuel issues
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New User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 21
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From: Normandy,TN
Fuel issues
my 1991 f250 is having staring issues. I can start it and it will run for about 5 secs than shut off. After that you have to crank on it for a while to get it to start back, if it will or the battery doesn't run down first. Also the + battery cable is getting extremely hot, too hot to touch, and melting the connector. I replaced the rubber fuel line that was leaking on top of the motor but it started doing it again. Please help.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
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It sounds like you already found the problem. Unfortunately, when you try to replace just one part of the fuel return system, the leak just moves around. Even if you don't see fuel leaking out, air can still leak in. I'd suggest getting a fuel return line kit and doing it all at once (o-rings, caps, and rubber fuel lines). With a bit of luck, that should stop the air intrusion, and fix the starting problem.
As for the positive battery cable, as long as the connection is clean and tight, the cable is probably corroded internally and will need to be replaced. This is pretty common, especially on the passenger side terminal. Eventually, it will leave you stranded if you just ignore it.
BTW, be careful to crank the starter a maximum of 20 seconds and then wait at least 2 minutes before trying again. Otherwise, you risk messing up your starter.
As for the positive battery cable, as long as the connection is clean and tight, the cable is probably corroded internally and will need to be replaced. This is pretty common, especially on the passenger side terminal. Eventually, it will leave you stranded if you just ignore it.
BTW, be careful to crank the starter a maximum of 20 seconds and then wait at least 2 minutes before trying again. Otherwise, you risk messing up your starter.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,255
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From: Sweet Home, OR
I had a bad starter and it took even less than 20 second starts and then a cool down period to toast it.
tbone91's advise is PERFECT I'm just saying your starter may already be about finished off because of the air intrusion problem, that's what fried mine I'm sure as it had the intrusion problem when I got it. The P.O. was opening the water drain on the bottom of the filter and cranking it over until the motor started and then closing the petcock.
BTW, my air leak was in the feed line to the fuel pump. I NEVER "found" a leak I just replaced the entire feed line and it solved the problem.
tbone91's advise is PERFECT I'm just saying your starter may already be about finished off because of the air intrusion problem, that's what fried mine I'm sure as it had the intrusion problem when I got it. The P.O. was opening the water drain on the bottom of the filter and cranking it over until the motor started and then closing the petcock.
BTW, my air leak was in the feed line to the fuel pump. I NEVER "found" a leak I just replaced the entire feed line and it solved the problem.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
If the battery cable is getting hot, you have internal resistance.
The resistance lowers the cranking voltage, and will also toast the starter.
All the power used to make that heat is not getting to the starter where it is needed.
That is compounded by the fact hot wires conduct less electricity.
When you do any changes to the return lines, change all the O rings and hoses at once.
If you don't, you will be chasing leaks forever.
And once you change them, try to not disturb them.
After a short amount of time with hot fuel flowing through the return lines any movement will cause air intrusion problems again.
The resistance lowers the cranking voltage, and will also toast the starter.
All the power used to make that heat is not getting to the starter where it is needed.
That is compounded by the fact hot wires conduct less electricity.
When you do any changes to the return lines, change all the O rings and hoses at once.
If you don't, you will be chasing leaks forever.
And once you change them, try to not disturb them.
After a short amount of time with hot fuel flowing through the return lines any movement will cause air intrusion problems again.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
Likes: 221
From: Huntington Indiana
One other thing to check while you working on the fuel system. Crawl under the truck and check the steel fuel lines for rust. If rusting they will let air into the system causing hard starting problems.
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