Hard Starting (I know this isn't new)

[Les]

Hi;

I have a 1983 F350 6.9L IDI, C6 auto, crew cab, 4X4.

My question is:
Is there a systematic approach to troubleshooting air-leaks throughout the fuel systm?

I have seen many posts here about return lines leaking, IPs leaking etc. In order to be thorough, I would like to know where to start and what order to follow to make sure that I have found & corrected the leak(s). Also, are there any special intruments or tools that would help to find possible leaks?

Symptoms:
-Hard starts after sitting overnight
-I smell raw diesel when I park it at night
-Starts well for most of the day once it starts
-white or no smoke while cranking
-GP in #1 cyclinder is fried (I can't remove it)

Thanks in advance. . .

 

[jperecko]

Can't help as far as a systematic approach... but get some penetrating oil on the GP to help get it out.

 

[Agnem]

Hi;

I have a 1983 F350 6.9L IDI, C6 auto, crew cab, 4X4.

My question is:
Is there a systematic approach to troubleshooting air-leaks throughout the fuel system?. . .

I would list the process this way....

1) - Fix what you know is broken. If you have a fuel leak, identify it, and cure it.

2) - Verify the air leak. Unscrew the fuel filter after sitting for 6 hours and see if the fuel level is down in the filter.

3) - Refresh the return lines. A return line kit is $30. Just replacing the usual suspects will likely fix the problem.

4) - Use clear vinyl tubing to diagnose air bubbles. Obviously this is after you've done #3 to no avail.

Keep in mind the following at all times....

When you have air issues, you're glow plugs suffer. Extra cranking cycles can kill them early. If your troubleshooting, disconnect power to them until you at least have white smoke (a sign of the presence of fuel for combustion).

Don't kill your starter. They get hot in a hurry, and don't just die. Sometimes they fade away to a slow crank that makes you think it is batteries, but in fact the starter is now turning too slow to support a good start. Rest the starter often.

 

[Les]

Thanks Guys!

Clarification on the GP: previous owner had already broken it off and cleverly screwed the top back in--I did use plenty of penetratiing oil and the top came off just fine. Left the rest of the burned up body stuck in the hole. . .

Regarding the fuel leak: I haven't been able to localize the source of the raw diesel. Only notice it after I've run it and parked it for the evening. . . .

Where is a good place to get return line repair kit?

Thanks again.

 

[pedro_8149]

im having the same problem, it starts and dies after its first start. and white smoke. then i crank it and it fires again, i got no raw diesel smell ive changed all my return lines between the injectors with the kit. i dont know where else to look, after i start it in the morning let the high idle kick down i take off, and i put my boot in it, right around 2500rpm it pops like a miss or backfire? whats that about only when its sat for a bit it does that, once its running it runs great. no loss of power or any of that

 

[Agnem]

Sounds like you've done step 1. Have you done step 2?