'99 DI - Cranks but wont start - 115k miles

[lotek]

[SOLVED] '99 D1 - Cranks but wont start, has spark, sounds like the pump primes

There hasn't been a thread on this for a few month's so here goes::banghead:

Backstory:

On two occasions after in-town driving it would not start. I could hear the fuel pump prime. After several minutes of scratching my head it would start and run fine. There were several weeks between both incidents. With these exceptions it runs like a dream.

Symptoms:
2 month's later... Went out today and it cranks but wont start. I can hear the fuel pump when the key is in pos2. There appears to be no spark. No CEL and not throwing any codes.

I'm going to pull the CkPS tonight and pick up a replacement tomorrow. Anyone have any additional thoughts?


As an aside... I read about one troubleshooting technique by 'Disco Mike' who stated to turn the key to pos2, wait 5 seconds, turn off and repeat 4 times. On the 4th attempt, to actually start the vehicle. This appears to work for one individual but no one offered any explanation as to what the issue may be. Tried on my truck to no avail.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ptschram]

I'm going to pull the CkPS tonight and pick up a replacement tomorrow. Anyone have any additional thoughts?


As an aside... I read about one troubleshooting technique by 'Disco Mike' who stated to turn the key to pos2, wait 5 seconds, turn off and repeat 4 times. On the 4th attempt, to actually start the vehicle. This appears to work for one individual but no one offered any explanation as to what the issue may be. Tried on my truck to no avail.

Thanks in advance!

Let's stop and determine if we have spark before throwing parts at the truck.

Do you have spark when it won't start???

 

[lotek]

Now that's it's dark out I can see that there is indeed spark.

I don't have a fuel pressure gauge (picking one up tonight) but if I depress the Scraeder valve on the rail after cranking the engine, I get nothing but a small momentary air hissing sound. I would suspect (assume) that there would be some residual fuel pressure and a small amount of fuel would be expelled.

 

[ptschram]

you have presumptive proof of a failed fuel pump.

I have to greet a client and collect on a job, otherwise, I'd walk you through it. Try searching, there should be plenty of guidance.

If you find you need a pump, let me know, I'll quote one for you.

 

[lotek]

Thanks! I'll keep you posted.

 

[lotek]

In case someone chimes in... I'm going to verify the lack of fuel pressure tonight by check at the rail with a gauge.

PT - I can see you're the man to ask in these situations. If you say fuel pump then I'm going to pick one up tomorrow. Besides, can't hurt to replace it given the mileage.

For my own edification... I'm curious about the fact that I can hear the pump prime when the key is in pos2.

Given the fact that only a small amount of air is expelled at the rail when checking for residual pressure, I would place root cause as a clogged pump inlet since the pump is submerged.

Again... just trying to better understand the overall system as well as the pump as a whole. Would any failure other than the pump present similar symptoms?

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[lotek]

PT - emailed you about a replacement pump.

 

[lotek]

Updates:

Again, I can hear the pump priming when the key is at pos2. Test lamp across the pump connector indicates power during the priming period.

Fuel pressure gauge shows no (zero) pressure when priming or when cranked. Given this scenario, I'm curious if a clogged filter, fuel line freeze, or failure at the pump such as a failed pump hose could be the cause.

A more thorough description of the activity prior to the failure is as follows:

Vehicle was driven 120 miles two days prior in very rainy weather. It sat for the night and was driven back the same distance in rainy weather. That night the temperature dropped to 18° F. The temperature the next morning where the failure occurred was 28° F.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated!

 

[fishEH]

When was the fuel filter last replaced?
A failing fuel cap can also cause unexplainable no starts. Try loosening the fuel cap next time it wont start.

 

[lotek]

Unknown. Purchase 9k miles ago. By the looks of it... quite some time. As for the cap, I will give it a try. Should it start without it. Had a no start issue once before when I first got it and noticed I forgot to put the cap on. Screwed the cap on and started right up.

 

[fishEH]

Good luck with those filter fittings! I cut mine off and went with a generic fuel filter with barbed ends.

 

[lotek]

Didn't think of that... bought the prescribed filter from Fram. I have a bag or misc fittings. If those don't work, I'll go after one like yours. The OEM filter from the dealer is $58.

 

[fishEH]

Oof, $58! Roverparts.com or Rovahfarm.com has them much cheaper. Try the Fram though. Hit the fittings with some PB Blaster for a few days first.

 

[lotek]

Will do - thanks for the advice. Have a trail run on the 30th at the wilds (thewilds.org) that I'd rather not miss.

 

[ptschram]

That fuel filter is a generic that was used in MANY domestic applications.

If you carefully cut the crimp collar off the hardline, you will expose a hose barb.

 

[lotek]

[SOLVED] '99 DI - Cranks but wont start - 115k miles

Finally had decent enough weather to do some work. I was baffled that I could hear the pump prime but had no pressure at the rail. I thought clogged filter or line was the culprit. I replaced the fuel filter to no avail so I pulled the fuel pump and the issue was immediately obvious.

It appears that the pump itself (not the entire unit) was replaced at some point and the hose was never fully secured. Reattached the hose and all is well.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Trail season is upon us so I'm sure I'll return soon for more advice.