NAS V8 struggling to start

[aeo]

The truck has had this struggle with starting for a few weeks off and on. I'd crank it and it would take a while. Sometimes it wouldn't start. I'd wait. Then eventually it'd start, sometimes flooring it helped sometimes not.

Two weeks ago she refused to start. My mechanic said she had spark and compression so he suggested replacing the distributor cap, rotor spark plugs, and wire set. That didn't fix it so he delved deeper and said it needed a new fuel pump. Got that replaced and had new fuel lines installed. Drove it home, drove it for a day and then she sat for a few days. Now it's back. She starts it just takes some really long cranks and giving it gas.

It sounds like it's not getting fuel. But that doesn't make sense. Once she starts she runs and idles great.

Thoughts? The only other culprit I can think of is the fuel filter. I did a fluid and filter service at the beginning of the summer before this started.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[Jeff B]

What year is the truck?


.

 

[rocky]

Dont you have a 110 300tdi as well?

Lucky guy!

 

[1of40]

A mechanic that replaces an entire fuel sending unit and fuel lines before a fuel filter has to explain why. All the components in the fuel system need to be diagnosed. It could even be shitty fuel. Have you ever run out of fuel with this truck?

 

[aeo]

1995

I'm a chick with two Defenders. Lucky or a glutton for punishment.

The fuel filter was replaced at the beginning of the summer before all of this happened. As a routine maintenance item. I did run out of fuel a few weeks ago, but I think it was already struggling to start when I did that. It wasn't consistent until it just didn't start. Started and ran great tonight. It has a new tank of fuel in it now.

Alex

 

[DiscoDavis]

1995

I'm a chick with two Defenders. Lucky or a glutton for punishment.

The fuel filter was replaced at the beginning of the summer before all of this happened. As a routine maintenance item. I did run out of fuel a few weeks ago, but I think it was already struggling to start when I did that. It wasn't consistent until it just didn't start. Started and ran great tonight. It has a new tank of fuel in it now.

Alex

If the fuel pumps on these are electric they are fuel-cooled and do not being run low/dry. My guess bad pump or air in fuel lines?

 

[Napalm00]

Also fuel pump relay , ignition switch and engine grounds should be checked

 

[PJambo]

I hesitate to suggest this since it's so dumb but I once had the same problem...turned out to be that I had switched the two fuel filter rubber gaskets. One is slightly smaller than the other and plugged up the filter. However, this was a non-spin-on filter for a diesel, not sure if your V8 filters differ.

 

[Jeff B]

1995

I'm a chick with two Defenders. Lucky or a glutton for punishment.

A chick named Alex with 2 Defenders... even better!

Pics? LOL

I feel your struggle; my always reliable RR has recently refused to start. I better start a discussion.


.

 

[aeo]

Also fuel pump relay , ignition switch and engine grounds should be checked

I did the relays a few years ago but they seem to have some corrosion on them so maybe those need to be replaced too. Only other electrical issue is my wipers won't park or even stop. I replaced the relay for those and it still didn't change them. I think the wiper has a bad ground. Are the fuel pump relay and wiper motor grounded near or with each other?

A

 

[rlynch356]

Is the battery on a charger? And how old? Could be that simple, or the alt is not charging fully.

Also the 2 wires which run from the distributor to the amp module can be an issue, we are finding out the connectors corrode and the wires break internally. Causing a no start.

 

[ezzzzzzz]

If it is hesitant to start but runs fine once up it is a fuel issue. It could be a leaking injector or fpr. Try turning the key to the run position and off about every 15 seconds for 5-6 times to cycle the fuel pump and build pressure before actually starting it. If it then starts as it should you've confirmed a fuel pressure leakdown. Does your fuel rail have a schrader valve to check pressure at key on (no run), run and static after sitting a few hours? I can't imagine the electrics would acting like that.

 

[Uncle Douglas]

Alex,
I'm with Mark that its a fuel issue. Although, I have seen throttle position sensors make a truck due wierd stuff.

That or you have one truck jealous of the other.

Was in Colorado last week and was going to see if you were around, but had to hurry back because of the potential track of the hurricane.

 

[aeo]

Battery is new and she wants to turn over. It happened again this afternoon once when cold and then it started and then again at the grocery. It eventually starts.

I was cycling the fuel pump and that helped. But then it didn't and I couldn't here it cycle so when the mechanic said it was failing it made sense. I think I have another fuel filter around so I'm going to install that and see if that helps. I have a knack for running the tank down (and sometimes out).

Thy are totally jealous old ladies.

Bummer about missing you Doug. I saw you were in CB. I love that area.