Recently my 1991.5 d350 cranked more than the usual bump and fire on cold start. After initial start it restarts fine. The truck is stock with the pump being rebuilt by Shield diesel in 2005 with less than 3 thousand miles since, stock lift pump replaced at the same time. The fuel filter was replaced in the spring and again after the odd start. The only leak comes from the top of the fuel tank if completely full but doesn't leak by fuel movement while driving on the winding roads in the middle of nowhere Appalachian mountains. I found if I slightly press the accelerator pedal it fires right off and idles fine. Any help would be appreciated before I take it to a shop. My plan was to have a Fleece sure flow unit put in the tank along with a high volume mechanical lift pump but would like to get the starting issue resolved first....Thanks for any knowledge

 

$376 for the Fleece

$78 https://www.carparts.com/details/Dod...5&gclsrc=3p.ds

I went into mine a couple of years ago. The only thing that would need replacing might be the O-rings.

You can get a new seal for the collar in the tank to fix the leak if that is the problem.

 

VE pumped trucks should start immediately when you turn the key.

My guess is you have a small air leak in the system between the fuel tank and the injection pump.

Does it get worse the longer it sits? As in does it need to crank longer before it starts?

 

Usually when these start hard after sitting overnight you have a leak in your fuel lines and it is normally before the lift pump. I have used an old fuel cap and installed a male chuck in it to pressurize the tank (not over 10 lbs) give it a few minuets and inspect your lines from the fuel tank forward and you will normally find it. Pic of the cap I made, hope it helps.

 

The link is for gas trucks 20 gallon tank mine is 30 gallon diesel

 

Well dog my cats!

Have you dropped the tank? It's very simple assembly. Change out the o-rings inside and on the quick disconnects. It's been a couple of years since I pulled mine out. I can't remember if there is O-rings inside it. I pulled the whole assembly and replace it with a Carter in tank pump.

 

I had the same tank leak on my 91.5. Turned out the collar ring was loose. All it took was tightening it up.
As for hard to start, I have a similar issue but not quite. Mine gets worse only if it is a hot day and I'm doing a lot of shut down and restart driving going place to place. Sitting doesn't bother it. I do have a leak at the back of the engine. Not sure where yet. I will need to enlist someone that's not old, fat, and crippled to get back there.

 

Couger, put your cell phone on selfie mode and slip it back there while watching the screen, that has helped me several times.

 

I have a cheap Amazon endoscope to poke around in dark places. Problem is, it is so oily back there I can't pinpoint it. I'm trying to get my hands on a hotsy and do a good stream clean.

 

Thanks for the link sir.