starting issues

[Lurch_F350]

Hi All,

I have owned my truck for just a bit over 6 yrs now and have started having issues when starting it over the last couple of yrs.

It takes a long time cranking over before it finally "lights up". Sometimes it will just sort of sputter to life and smoke like a bugger for 20 or 30 seconds. Other times it will crank over for a long time, and then start with it's usual "rap". Other times it spins over and starts like it should. Also it seems to be much more prevalent on frequent short trips. I should also add that it doesn't matter if it is up to temperature or not.

I have had 3 or 4 CPS's in it over this time.

For whatever it is worth, I also noticed that the cold bypass wasn't functioning the way it should this past winter.... sometimes it would come on, sometimes not. Actual ambient temp didn't seem to matter.

Surely with all the brilliant minds on this forum , someone will have an idea

 

[BIG JOE]

Hi All,

I have owned my truck for just a bit over 6 yrs now and have started having issues when starting it over the last couple of yrs.

It takes a long time cranking over before it finally "lights up". Sometimes it will just sort of sputter to life and smoke like a bugger for 20 or 30 seconds. Other times it will crank over for a long time, and then start with it's usual "rap". Other times it spins over and starts like it should. Also it seems to be much more prevalent on frequent short trips. I should also add that it doesn't matter if it is up to temperature or not.

I have had 3 or 4 CPS's in it over this time.

For whatever it is worth, I also noticed that the cold bypass wasn't functioning the way it should this past winter.... sometimes it would come on, sometimes not. Actual ambient temp didn't seem to matter.

Surely with all the brilliant minds on this forum , someone will have an idea

1. Scan it for any Codes ?

2. Load Test the Batterys (completely disconnected from each other) ?

3. Batt clamps & Cables Clean & Tight ?

4. Glow plugs [ALL] good

5. Fuel filter(s) Clean ?

6. HPOP oil level 1/2" from the top of the plug at a start ?

7. Oil Level in the dip stick Hash marks ?


Joe

Any Mods ? Whats a Cold Bypass ?

Tell us about your truck.. Year, Model & Miles

 

[Tail_Gunner]

6. HPOP oil level 1/2" from the top of the plug at a start ?

That was one of the things I was thinking.

The others:
HPOP pressure output while cranking
Fuel pump functioning and putting out pressure

 

[Lurch_F350]

Hey Big Joe,

Thanks for the reply.
Everything from number 1 thru 5, and 7 are good. No codes.

With #6 where abouts is that plug at. Secondly what can be done if the oil level is low?

The cold bypass is the flapper that partialy closes off the exhaust to help the engine warm up quicker. It doesn't close off, and the engine never idles up like it should when it is cold. Can tell the flapper isn't closing because I don't the giant "air leak" sound. When it was winter cold, it used to idle up to about 1200 maybe 1300 or so and then the flapper would close.

The truck is completely stock.

 

[Lurch_F350]

Tail Gunner, thanks.

How do I get a reading on the HPOP while it is cranking.

As far as the other pump, I assume it is OK as there is definately fuel getting into the chambers, the way she smokes when she finally comes to life. But.........

 

[BIG JOE]

Hey Big Joe,

Thanks for the reply.
Everything from number 1 thru 5, and 7 are good. No codes.

With #6 where abouts is that plug at. Secondly what can be done if the oil level is low?

The cold bypass is the flapper that partialy closes off the exhaust to help the engine warm up quicker. It doesn't close off, and the engine never idles up like it should when it is cold. Can tell the flapper isn't closing because I don't the giant "air leak" sound. When it was winter cold, it used to idle up to about 1200 maybe 1300 or so and then the flapper would close.

The truck is completely stock.

The HPOP inspection plug is just to the right of center, on top of the HPOP, It's a recessed Hex (Allen) wrench type of cap/plug. With the engine Off.. oil should be about 1/2" below (plug depth). If not, you may have some HPOP issues.

Off the top.. I'm thinking you might have some Glow Plug Relay/Glow Plug circuit issues. If they ALL.. are not heating up properly.. long cranking, smoke and sometimes a.. No Start can occur.

The Exhaust Back Pressure Valve (cold bypass ?) will only close when Cold ambient temps are sensed by a number of sensors.. in the cold start circuit.. Glow Plugs being just one of them, oil, coolant and air temps are others.. they all feed info to the PCM... The PCM then starts the Cold Start process.

Use the SEARCH function on here, for [Glow Plug Test].. yul get tons of info on how to DIY. As a place to start ???

Joe

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Tail Gunner, thanks.

How do I get a reading on the HPOP while it is cranking.

As far as the other pump, I assume it is OK as there is definately fuel getting into the chambers, the way she smokes when she finally comes to life. But.........

The easiest way would be to hook up a scanner like an AutoEnginuity.

If there is low HPOP pressure being reported to the PCM, it could be problems with the FCP, IPR or actual low output pressure from the HPOP.

 

[Lurch_F350]

Thanks guys!!

My days are sort of limited right now... working about 16hrs a day almost 7 days/week. But I will start to check some of these items out. I know the glowplug system is in good shape as I had to trouble shoot that system at the start of winter. Turns out all but one of them was dead.

Thanks for the proper name "exhaust back pressure".... was having a major brain fart

The easiest way would be to hook up a scanner like an AutoEnginuity. Where would I be able to score on of these babies?

 

[Lurch_F350]

Hey Guys,

Well I finally got a chance to check the oil level for the HPOP. After sitting over nite it is about an inch below the bottom of the threads for the plug. Is this too low? What would be the next step? I am guessing checking the one way valve to make sure it is seating properly and not letting oil drain back out of the resevoir??

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Hey Guys,

Well I finally got a chance to check the oil level for the HPOP. After sitting over nite it is about an inch below the bottom of the threads for the plug. Is this too low? What would be the next step? I am guessing checking the one way valve to make sure it is seating properly and not letting oil drain back out of the resevoir??

I think that should be OK. IIRC, the outlet that goes to the HPOP is in the bottom of the reservoir. So as long as there is oil there, the HPOP should have enough to start the truck.

But if you want to make sure, you can always top it off in the morning before that first start and see if it makes a difference.