Truck goes from crank and run to no crank no start

CAMERON FERRELL

MEMBER
2004 FORD F-250
160,000 MILES

I recently had my intake manifold off and now it will start after about 5-7 minutes of cranking. But after it runs for 3 minutes it shuts off like I turned off the key. I go to restart, and the starter won’t engage won’t do anything. After 30 minutes the starter works. Also, My 250 is the 6.0 power stroke.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I think you have two issues. One is the hard starting that is most likely fuel related so we can start with that.

The stater not working is most likely due to the solenoid overheating from all the cranking.

So, lets start with checking the fuel delivery system. Basically, we need to check flow and pressure using the guide below.

Due to this being a diesel the process is different but here is a guide for others that may visit this page with a gas engine but similar issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Based on experience with these trucks and diesels in general, this is almost surely a fuel issue.

Have you been changing the fuel filter regularly?

The most common reason for this type of failure is due to fuel contamination that has damaged the injectors and they are dumping too much fuel for the engine to start. Or they have damaged the return circuit and they are allowing too much fuel back to the tank rather than into the engine.

I would suggest removing the filter and see if it is covered in brown or black sludge/gel.

Also, you can try using ether in the intake and see if the engine starts. If it does, then it is not getting enough fuel either due to a restriction or high return. The test below will help figure this out.

Let us know what you find with this.

Thanks

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