extremely hard start 7.3

[twhetten]

This truck is a 99 with a six speed. It will not start on it own. THe only way to start it is by pulling it a LONG way. Once it starts it will run rough for a minute then smooth out and run fine. There is no smoke, no blowby. The fuel is draining out of the bowl over night and there is no sign of a leak. Once we get it started by the next morning the bowl is completely dry. Where is the fuel going? It has to be draining back somewhere. Can it drain back through the fuel pump?

[belz]

Have u checked in the valley? If the o rings on te drain valve go bad it will pool in the valley and probably stay there until u start moving so u won't notice anything under when u park. Although mine wouldn't be totally empty when I had that issue. Just an idea.


Sent from my portable forum surfing device.

[ToMang07]

My guess would be fuel leak too.... I just learned of this:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/963701-fuel-leak-2.html
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1047813-failure-prevention-thread.html

I would also check out your GPR and make sure the glow plug system is working correctly. Do you have access to a good scanner? Does the WTS light come on like normal and shut off?

[twhetten]

there is no fuel in the valley. I do have a scanner, but not with me. Does this 7.3 have a manual fuel pump like the old 7.3 or an electic pump? It kind of looks like an electic pump on the frame but it doesn't make any noise.

[ToMang07]

The fuel pump is right on the frame under the drivers seat....follow the lines you'll find it! (If it's like mine, its a black/rust color with a red sticker)

[twhetten]

thats what I was thinking, thank you. Should the pump run when the key is turned on or the starter is bumped?

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by twhetten

thats what I was thinking, thank you. Should the pump run when the key is turned on or the starter is bumped?

Yes, the soon as you turn the key onto "ON" it should turn on. If it's quiet out you should be able to hear it turn on and pressurize... I'd guess mine runs for 30 seconds before it stops running. If you have someone to turn the key for ya you could just touch the body and have them turn the key, see if you feel it working.

OR, drain the fuel bowl, turn the key on for 30 seconds, turn it off, and see if it filled it back up again, by either openin ghte fuel bowl or draining it again.

[twhetten]

Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to know.