Takes more cranking to start...
 

Hey guys, I'm running out of ideas here. I read up on the other "hard start" threads but none seem like my problem. So here's the deal. I have to crank my truck for 3-4 seconds before it starts. I know that doesn't sound like a lot of time but it actually is when you're cranking. If I give it a tiny bit of throttle it'll start right up. My previous 12v started right up without any throttle. Here's a list of things that I have checked and are ok:

1) Fuel shutoff solenoid is good and arm length is within spec.
2) Grid heaters are working.
3) Fuel filter and pre-filter are brand new.
4) Fuel pressure is within spec.
5) Throttle cable is within spec.
6) Batteries are only a year old.
7) Battery contacts are clean and new; cables are good.
8) The idle is set right at 800 with A/C on and in drive.

The only other thing I can think of is the starter. It's starting to slow down a bit. But would it make that much of a difference?? I mean, like I said, the truck starts right up with a tiny bit of throttle while cranking. Any other ideas?

Where is your idle at? I've heard with the 12v's, a little bit of throttle input may be required to get them going. Haven't had an issue with my truck yet though. Low idle can cause a slow start though.

Oh yeah, I just added that to the list. My idle is set at 800 with A/C on in drive.

Is this every start, or just a cold start?

On every start... Even if the truck was just driven and the engine is warm.

my truck does the same, it might have to do with your overflow valve the spring in there being worn out. yah i doubt the starter is the cause, its deffinetly a fuel delivery issue, not too significant but it would be nice to just bump the starter and have the truck start. i'll take a look and let you know what i find

Try bumping your idle up a touch more. I noticed with mine, a little goes a long way.

Thanks for the responses. I set the idle just a little bit higher and it didn't change anything. As for the overflow valve, it could be the culprit but I'm not too sure. Before, I was seeing a little low fuel pressure so I took the spring out of the OF valve and stretched it to where I got the correct fuel pressure at idle and at WOT.

What do you guys think of the lift pump? Could that be getting weak; thus, not supplying enough fuel during initial cranking?

Since it fires up right away if you touch the throttle, I think it is a problem with the IP. Does the governor springs have any affect on this?

probly small air leak in the lines somewhere

check teh rubber return lines and the steel lines for leaks... if u touch the throttle and it starts quick, then bump up your idle as suggested, worked for mine. OFV, if it hasnt been replaced in the last 75K miles, a new one isnt a bad idea..

Rick

Factory service manual says not to trust the dash tach for setting idle.
I do it by ear.

That's not what I want to hear... Governor springs apparently don't have an effect on this. It was like this before I put the gsk in.

I'll check for leaks in fuel lines. Do you think a new overflow valve would perform any differently than an old OFV with a modified spring? As long as fuel pressure is within spec it must be doing it's job right?

At this point I'm still leaning towards the starter. I know it's slowed down a bit, but maybe more than I'm assuming is ok. I'm going to get the contacts and see what happens. Wouldn't hurt anyway. I'll have to wait until I find some time again though. For now it's starting ok. Started it this morning at 15 F and it started right up with a tiny touch to the throttle. I did have it plugged in though.

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys!

hi
mine is ths same , it fires right off with a light touch to the pedal ?

idles on its own after 15- 30 sec even when cold 20 deg.

idles right away when warmer .

my idle is where i like it a little slower than most , soo i aint gona change it as i dont like it slamin into gear from netrual and i aint to lazy to touch the pedal to start it !! i refuse to become totaly useless !

i just ordered a new ofv for it just because i have no clue if it has correct fuel psi e bay bosch under $30.00 .
when it warms up outside i may check the fuel psi but i will have to drill / tap the banjo first .

Update: Ok guys, just got done rebuilding the starter. As I felt, that was the problem! The truck fires right up now. You guys might want to look into replacing your starter contacts as well. Here's my old contacts, pretty worn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../Contacts1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../Contacts2.jpg

If you want to change the brushes out while you're in there, make sure you have a soldering torch. Soldering guns won't cut it. However, I would say you don't even need to change out the brushes. Just open it up, clean the armature contacts and be done with it.

Too bad I had not read your thread earlier as I could have saved you some troubleshooting time. I had this problem about a year or so ago with the same symptoms. Got the same helpful advice but fortunately, I targeted the starter early on in the troubleshooting process.