I had a fuel pressure gauge installed this weekend. Brought the truck home and it sat for about 15 hours. It did not want to start, had to crank it for a very long time. Let it sit for a couple of hours or less and it starts right up. Also when I get out after driving it, I can smell diesel. No leak found on the ground as of yet. Any ideas? Something the did not tighten when they put the gauge on?

John

 

sounds like something's not tight. Check the schreider Valve on the pump.

 

If you can smell it....you ought to be able to find the fuel leak.
Not starting cold is very different than not starting hot. Try bumping the starter (without turning the starter over). this should activate the Fuel pump to repressurize the system. let pump run for 5-7 sec (you can hear it and see it on you FP gauge) and than try starting it.
I have the same problem on a cold engine, when my tank gets below 1/2. Bumping the starter works every time.

RJ

 

Does the "starter bump" trick work with the in tank pump?

 

Should...can't think why it would not...but you'll have to try it and see?
If it's working you'll see pressure coming up on your gauge (in case you can't hear the in-tank pump). Pump will run for about 20 sec before it shuts off...if truck is not started.

RJ

 

Go back and check all of your connections. It sounds like a very slow leak is allowing air into your fuel system. Been there done that!

Who installed your pressure gauge? Is it mechanical with fuel line in the cab or is it an electronic version?

-CM

 

It is electric. I called the shop that did the install and they are going to check it out. I just hope they find it, not a good feeling in the morning that my truck won't start and I need to get to work!

 

Previous problems with electronic FP gauges included diaphrams that were bad. Just a thought so check that part out.

Good luck. I know it's a bad feeling to see your truck not start right up but you'll get it fixed.

-CM

 

Diaphrams in the gauge sending unit? Well as long as the shop can fix it, I will be happy. I'm just ready to go back to it being perfect!

 

Yes I think that was an issue. Maybe someone on the board with more knowledge can comment. Bottom line is that air is infiltrating into your fuel system causing it to hard start. I had a similar issue when I put a new set of injectors in the truck. One day it just started to hard start I finally uninstalled the injectors and foudn that one of them was slightly unseated. Hence the air infiltration into the system after 6-8 hours.

Good luck.