freeloader

This morning, all of a sudden, my CTD had to spin a lot longer before it fired up. It did the same thing after setting for 8 to 9 hours while at work. It fires right up if it only sits for 15 to 30 min. I'm thinking the return fuel line is the culprit. I replaced it 4 or 5 years ago because of a similar problem.

Anyone remember how long the replacement piece of fuel line needs to be?

Any other possible reasons for this behavior?
Thx

CR785

Does it have some white smoke comming out of it when you start it up? I think the line is like 18 inches long but could be wrong.

WildBill

just check the hose to see if it's cracked, also low idle will cause extended cranking, give it a little throttle and see if it fires right up.

Dartmouth 12V

There are several pieces of line that can leak. I think that the best thing to do is to replace all of the lines and bypass the metal lines along the frame. The feed line is 3/8"ID and about 15' in my truck. The return line is 5/16" ID and approximately the same length. I can't remember what the line from the fuel heater to the lift pump is. I would recommend marine grade fuel line.

CarlJensen

As Dartmouth said, replace all of it. His numbers are right. You can't see some of the cracks that cause slow start problems. Not big enough to leak fuel but big enough to let some air in. DO use diesel rated fuel line. Get at any marina or boat supply store that sells Coast Guard approved diesel line. If you don't have that available go online to West Marine or the like and order. Gas line will only degrade on you. The line from pump to filter assy is a shaped line. Don't forget to use good quality stainless fuel line clamps, also available at a marina.
A bad overflow valve can also cause slow start.

freeloader

Thx guys. Yeah, I did get some white smoke. But, it's undoubtedly because I pushed on the fuel pedal.

I'm not very enthusiastic about doing it again. The last time, I came to the conclusion I need to be a 10' snake to be able to do the job with reasonable effort. I think I'll look both lines completely over.

The section I replaced was with a supposedly diesel rated fuel hose from NAPA. If there is another air leak causing it to lose its prime, it could be in another section. With all the fishing vessels around here I should be able to find what I need in a marine shop.
Thx again

infidel

The advantage of abandoning all the stock lines and running marine grade hose all the way from engine to tank is that it's a 100 times easier than fooling around behind the engine.
The metal lines are also prone to leaking, hose all the way eliminates this also.