Hard start on a hill

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Dec 14, 2009 | 10:34 AM

Rusty Shackleford

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Hard start on a hill

I got kind of a weird problem. If I park my truck on a hill (front end high) its hard to start. On flat ground or front end low it starts fine. I was thinking fuel pump but wouldn't it start off of fuel in the filter? Its a 93 350 7.3 no turbo. Thanks

Dec 14, 2009 | 10:49 AM

starmilt

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From: Faibanks Ak.

you have an air intrusion problem. when you park with tour tank downhill it is letting your fuel drain back.

Dec 14, 2009 | 10:51 AM

Black Smoke '88

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From: Warrensburg, Missouri

sounds like air intrusion to me. a leak in the system would allow the fuel to flow downhill and away from the filter and IP. i was having a similar problem but mine was hard starting all the time. i fixed the leak and it starts fine now

Dec 14, 2009 | 11:33 AM

smokey98

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From: Sylva NC

I'm having exactly the same problem even though I just installed a new return line kit, (O ring and caps included). The mechanic at my worked also guessed lift pump going bad. He said if lift pump was bad then it might siphon the fuel out of the filter as it drained. He suggested an in line check valve but I think I'm going to try the electric pump first.

Dec 14, 2009 | 11:41 AM

tbone91

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Does it happen only with less than 1/4 - 1/3 tank of fuel in the selected tank? If so, the fuel pickup tube may have fallen off or is possibly cracked.

Dec 14, 2009 | 03:06 PM

Rusty Shackleford

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I haven't really paid attention to how much fuel is in it when it does it. I'll have to look at that.

I saw a little fuel around where the lines come out of the IP. I was kinda scared to go putting a wrench on them though. I dont think they've ever been touched.

Dec 14, 2009 | 03:36 PM

starmilt

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From: Faibanks Ak.

Smokey is the water seperator still hooked up on your truck if so it is another common spot for air,. It is also possible for the valve core in the schrader valve on the filter header to let air in.

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Dec 15, 2009 | 08:33 PM

PLC7.3

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From: Manitoba

Visit........ Ford diesel 6.9 7.3 IDI read up on air intrusion into the fuel system.... do the clear hose tests........ ensure you put a verticle pigtail loop in the clear lines....... so you can see which way the air is coming.

Dec 16, 2009 | 02:18 PM

#10

Rusty Shackleford

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Thanks for the link PLC. Very interesting.

I was out checking over everything earlier and the only thing visible is the wetness in the valley pan bit around the injectors looks dry.

I noticed I have a small metal tube that is running beside the fuel filter bracket going down toward the fuel pump. Its not onnected to anything and has about 2in of rubber line on the top. What is this thing?