Sometimes the truck will fire with the first turn of the motor but most of the times it takes at least 5 revs. for it to start. ANyone got an idea?? No codes except fuel level sensor.

Kip

 

Does it sort of catch, or is it dead till the 5th rev? Does it do it on a cold start, or will it do it after being shut down 10 minutes earlier?

 

Fuel line leaking back / air getting in.
My first guess

 

does it mostly hot, but will do it right after being shut off. I am going to check everything for being tight.

 

Mine does this as well but only when really hot. My guess is VP44 circuit board getting hot and expanding breaking some contact. Heard that this is comon as well.

 

Mine just started doing this also. Sometimes fires right up, sometimes cranks forever before firing. It definetly feels like a fuel problem of some sort. But once it starts, it runs strong without a miss. Any confirmation on yours yet?

 

I changed my fuel filter just for good measure, cap was what I think a little loose. Truck fired up real good the rest of that day but is back to being hit or miss now. LIke yours, mine runs great just might take several revs. to get started. I have the big line filter to pump hose coming. going to put that on and then check everything else in the process.

 

Whats your fuel pres? Some guys had issue with the FASS putting out too much pressure when starting, would cause hard starts. Solution was to use a hobbs switch, turn the LP on when oil pressure comes up. Something to look into.

 

Went to get a new fuel filter today, come out of the store and there's a big puddle of diesel fuel under the truck with a nice leak going. Good news is I think I just found the cause of my starting problems. But I don't really want to F with it since I'm TDY for 3 months with the truck in a parking lot and almost no tools with me. Dealer can't get me in for 2 weeks and no one else in town is willing to work on a diesel. One guy actually told me he doesn't work on them because it's "too smelly for him".

It seems to leak most after running, and the leak slows dramatically with engine on. I'm thinking a leak in the lines before the lift pump, or in the return line. Anyone have any ideas?

 

chk rubber line before vp the will leak with age

 

TopperHarley, Where are you TAD at?

 

Most likely the transfer pump went out. If you see fuel leaking down by the started motor.

 

My problem is somewhat similar. It will start on 1st or 2nd revolution when cold, but when I shut it down than come back around an hour later while it is still warm it is hit and miss if it will start or not. Someone mentioned a diaphram in the VP44 that will rupture, if this happens would it not be hard to start all the time. when it starts I can burn the back tires on take off and pull anything I want so I find it hard to believe that there is anything wrong with the high pressure side of the inj pump.
I am thinking either the ECM or the electric board in the VP44.
Does the crank position sensor affect the starting? Lift pressure is 13 lbs, and new batteries, lots of cranking power.

 

Robert you and I have the same problem I think. It never shows signs of air in the lines as it never stumbles once started. Just you are cranking without the spark plugs firing in a gasser. Nothing. Once started it runs like normal.
I have asked the question on another thread but I'll ask again. In the 12 valve engines there is a fuel cutoff solenoid to stop the fuel flow to shut the engine off. Or something like that since a diesel will run until you stop the fuel flow. What happen on a vp44? Is there something inside the IP like a cutoff valve that is not opening? I also noticed that the problem MAY(?) be a somewhat recent problem so I am curious if its a ULSD caused problem.

By the way I have tried bumping the starter and letting the fuel pressure stay up for 10 seconds before cranking when hot. It usually does not start even after doing this.

 

I changed rubber hoses from lift pump to filter and replaced factory hose clamps with the screw style clamps. Problem seems to have gone away.