Curious starting issue has developed over the last few days with my 97 petrol.

She cranks strong but is very very slow to start. Often I have to make about 8 to 10 attempts before it finally turns over - when it starts it runs strong with no issues. When I turn it off I have the same issues when restarting.

I hear the fuel pump operating on ignition but it certainly seems to be an issue with initial fuel delivery on startup. I’m struggling to understand the problem as it runs perfectly fine once running.

Thoughts?

Cheers.

 

2 questions..

1- when was the last time the fuel filter was changed? If >5 years I'd give that a shot first.
2- Fuel pump. Not difficult and plenty of youtube vids. Most just need the motor, not the entire pump housing. $50 for the pump motor, tubes, and mouth seal, and a couple of hours of work.

 

- Just changed the fuel filter 2 weeks ago - started fine for a few days before the problem surfaced.
- I though about the fuel pump as well but with both of these possibilities would the truck work fine once started as it does? That’s the thing the confuses me. Why does it just struggle to start and not run?

Cheers Walt.

 

Best way to check is to test the pressure at the fuel rail. Should be mid-30's

 

Was the fuel pump. Wasn’t putting out enough pressure on ignition. Once it would finally turn over the pressure was able to build up enough to keep running. When replacing discovered the pump housing was missing the rubber seal. That explains why sometimes upon filling up I smelled fuel in the cabin.
She’s purring now. Thanks for the advice Walt.

Cheers.