I noticed that my pickup is harder to start than it used to be. I got into the habit of pressing the pedal down during the winter to help with the cold starts and continue to do that, but have been noticed a nice cloud of black smoke when it starts.

Yesterday I tried to start without a foot in the pedal and just cranked. I just replaced the overflow valve and did the fuel lines a couple of months ago, so I know the fuel system is in good shape. Runs good other than that, but kinda feels like a dog getting up to speed. Idle is a bit low, and I am going to adjust that, but what else might it be? Slipped timing?

Thanks in advance.

 

Don't know what it is but I would swear you were talking about my truck. I just put my truck in the injection shop today for what sounds like the same symptoms. It has been progressively slower to fire off over the last few weeks and Tuesday it went completely flat on power at about 1900 rpms. Would not even pull a hill at 50 without a load. I was concerned about it leaving me on the side of the road. The idle was so low that it shut down three times. I got it in to see the doctor this morning but it will probably be next week before I hear anything.
Chris

 

Interesting. I guess mine isn't that bad yet. Last night just to see what happened I let it crank with my foot off the pedal. It was only a couple of seconds before it fired up.

I still think something isn't quite right, but not sure what direction to head in. Anyone have any input on what it might be? Thanks!

 

Fuel Shutoff Selonoid. Do a quick search, it's a bit of a struggle to change.

 

Not doubting you, but this doesn't seem right to me. If I hold the pedal down at all it starts right away, if not then it cranks for a couple of seconds then starts. Why would this be the solenoid?

The solenoid pulls up when the key is on as well. Could this just be an adjustment needed or is it more likely an issue with idle speed? I noticed today that on start without a foot in the pedal the idle speed is below 700 RPM. I will adjust that in the morning.

 

waldersha,

I remember working with Case products with the inline P-7100 pump that hard starting was the first sign of a failure of the shut-off selonoid, and then it would simply not shut off!

However, I would agree that what you are describing here is different. The fact it *changed* is what I am concerned about. For five years of ownership, the truck in my sig has taken 2-3 seconds to start - unless - I hold the throttle pedal down about 1/2" (at most.) Then it's a 1/2 second crank, if that. But it has not changed in 5 years, so until it won't start, I will drive it as-is.

I think what you're descirbing is different, and I am curious to see what turns up...good luck!

 

Thanks for the reply. To be honest with you I don't know that it necessarily changed, I have been in the habit of pressing the pedal for so long I don't really remember. Must be getting old.

Sounds like the other guy in the post, eng208, has a different issue.

On another note, filled up this afternoon and averaged 21MPG, so maybe I should leave well enough alone. I do like to see the puff of smoke when I start with the foot in the pedal.

 

try adjusting the fuel shutoff valve a little tighter, between 1/8, and 1/4 inch. if it is your fuel shutoff solenoid, you will be able to tell by free revving it. if it pops, and stutters, then you need to go tighter on the shutoff solenoid.