Slow start?

Tiny
BEETLEPUNK21
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD F-250
  • 6.0L
  • V8
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 177,000 MILES
Hello,

When starting my diesel, it doesn’t fire up like normal. It takes maybe about 7 seconds of cranking before it fires up. If I go to the store or somewhere and come out to start the truck, it fires up right away after about 1 or 2 seconds of cranking.

What would be the cause for it not to start up right away when the engine is cold?

Thank you so much, y’all rock!
Friday, January 27th, 2023 AT 10:34 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,779 POSTS
Hi,

What you described sounds like fuel pressure drop-off. When it takes a long time to cold start but will start quickly after that, pressure is already present.

Try this. Cycle the key on and off three or four times before trying to start it and see if that makes a difference. Also, pay attention to the exhaust to see if there is any smoke.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, January 27th, 2023 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
BEETLEPUNK21
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Joe,

I cycled the key 4 times today. I couldn’t really tell a noticeable difference. Maybe it fired up in 5 seconds instead of 7, I’m not really sure.

Never noticed any smoke from the tailpipe.

Should I try cycling the key on and off 7 times and see if it makes a difference? Or what would your next step of advice be?

Thank you!
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 6:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You could try it. I feel there is a pressure issue. By chance, have you tried scanning the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored?

Let me know. Also, we have a new person with us that is specifically a diesel mechanic for heavy equipment. I am going to forward this to him to see if he has suggestions.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
BEETLEPUNK21
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Joe,

I will scan the truck when I get a chance. It’s been a very busy week.

Did the diesel mechanic have any input?

Thanks!
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Friday, February 3rd, 2023 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

At this point, he hasn't replied. I will try again. Also, there is no rush. I was curious.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, February 3rd, 2023 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
BEETLEPUNK21
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  • 57 POSTS
Finally got around to scanning the codes. There wasn’t anything fuel related. Just some codes from the EGR delete.

I ended up putting a new fuel pump in. Didn’t help.

I did a fuel pressure test and it had good pressure (55 PSI) at the fuel filter in the engine bay.
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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Are there any issues with the glow plugs? Also, the only other thing I can think of is if the engine compression is lower than it should be. Actually, these are things I would question:

Glow Plugs: Glow plugs are used to heat the combustion chamber and make it easier to start the engine. If one or more glow plugs are faulty, the engine may experience a delayed start.

Fuel system: If there is a problem with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or air in the fuel lines, the engine may have difficulty starting.

Battery: If the battery is weak or has a low charge, it may not provide enough power to start the engine.

Low compression: Low compression can be caused by a variety of issues, such as worn piston rings or damaged cylinder walls. This can make it difficult for the engine to start, especially when it's cold.

Cold weather: Diesel engines can be more difficult to start in cold weather, as the fuel is thicker and may not vaporize as easily.

Timing: If the timing is off, the engine may not start as quickly as it should.

Injector issues: If the injectors are dirty or not functioning properly, the engine may experience a delayed start.

I realize you have checked fuel pressure and it's good. Have you checked any of the other things I mentioned above? The next thing I would question is compression.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

I attached the directions below specific to your truck.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
BEETLEPUNK21
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Hi Joe, I have an update for you! First off, thank you for all the help and info.

I forgot to mention in my fuel pressure test that it is slow to build pressure.

I installed a “blue spring” kit which increases pressure to about 65psi.

I noticed after cycling the key on/off a few times that it does start quicker and easier. So, it does seem to be a fuel pressure issue... Or at least part of the problem
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 AT 5:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Do you still need to cycle the switch? If you do, then something is allowing pressure to drop. If there are no visible leaks, you could have an injector leaking or the pump itself may be allowing pressure to drop.

Let me know, and thanks for the update.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
BEETLEPUNK21
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Also, do you have the diagram and info of disassembly of the fuel filter unit in the engine bay?

04 f250 6.0 power stroke

Greatly appreciate it!
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Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 AT 4:18 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

There are two filters. One is mounted on the frame rail and the other is under the hood/engine mounted.

If you look below, I attached what I have for replacement. Take a look through everything and let me know if it helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
BEETLEPUNK21
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Thanks Joe!
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Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 AT 4:43 AM

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