I have been having problems starting my truck recently. When I start it for the first time in a day it starts normally...I drive around for 20+ minutes then turn it off. After 20+ minutes I will go out and try to re-start it, this is where the problem is, it takes about 6 seconds + to turn over. By the time it starts I have kept the key turned long enough to say a short prayer that it starts.

I don't get a clicking noise like the battery is having problems (just replaced that and the alternator last month anyway) and I don't know if it is my starter since it does start fine when it hasn't been driven. I did have my oil changed about 1k ago and all that came out was in the filter (not good)...could burning through 5-6 quarts of oil coat the interior of the engine/something else important with harmful 'things'???

Thanks for reading....I am just stabbing around looking for a solution...any ideas would be great.

M O Rowe
------
99 F150
128K
Stock 4.6 v8
K&N Air Filter
Dual FlowMaster
Stock Rims/Tires
Warn 9.5ti

 

M O Rowe,

Any relation in Iowa?

I (we) need to get this clear. When you say you have time to say a short prayer, during that prayer is the motor cranking (turning over) but hasn't fired on it's own?

If what is happening that when you turn the key to start and nothing happens for 6 seconds before it starts to crank, then yes it could be the starter, starter relay, starter soleniod, battery conection, battery wire to relay or starter.

If what happens is that the engine is cranking for a long time before it fires then we have to look at a spark, or fuel problem.

Can you clear that up for us?

On the oil thing, do I read you right, that you pulled the drain plug from the pan and nothing came out! And the only oil that was in the engine is the 1/2 quart that the filter holds?

Please get back to us on these so we can help!

Gene

 

ive had a similar problem with my 99 except itll turn over and start fine but then it will die. but it only happens sporadically. but if i start it and rev it high itll be fine. im tryin to figure whats wrong with mine too.

 

I am in Northern VA....

When I am waiting for it to start the engine is turning, just like it turns when it is starting normal but it just takes much longer...the noise is the same just extended. I also have a remote start on this truck and that won't work during this situation.

And as scary as it is, you did read it right, when they pulled the drain plug just about nothing came out...it was all in the filter, real bad new. Now it was about 4.5K since i had changed it. I am checking every 1K now to monitor how fast it is burning off or what ever it is doing to get out.

Thanks for the replies,

M O Rowe

 

Ok, that rules out the starter circuit.

You need to check the fuel presure, theres a port on the fuel injector rail (look like a tire valve stem) has a cap on it. A fuel pressure guage cn be attached there, If I'm not mistaken you should have 40 or 50 psi there with it cranking/running.

Before that I would change the fuel filter if it hasn't been done lately, I change mine every third oil change (there cheap and easy to do).

After the fuel pressure check we can think about the IAC valve needing to be serviced/replaced.

Use the search feature above to look up these items, there is a rath of information there.

Let us know how you are doing also.

Gene

PS Keep an eye out for that oil thief, for that thing to loose that much oil over night????????????????? Can't believe it wasn't knocking like crazy when you parked it!
Has it used any in the last 4.5 k?

 

What leads you to believe it would be a fuel filter problem? I returned the starter today and they also asked why I thought that was the problem and I couldn't answer them. They agree that it wasn't the starter though.

They were thinking that a component used in firing the truck is having a heat issue. That after it got hot it wouldn't work as well.

 

M O Rowe,

Engine combustion takes, fuel, air, compression, and ignition to happen. Since yours does start (after awhile) your engine does have all of these.

But when it has been warmed-up one of these are not happening right away. being warm may not even have anything to do with it.

Fuel is probably the first suspect. It could be an ignition problem, but I would check that fuel pressure during cranking when it is doing it's not starting thing, if it is low at first then climbs to 40 or more psi, then starts "bingo" you found it.

Injectors need that kind of pressure to atomise the fuel. The pressure guage will tell us that the pump is working and that the filter is letting enough fuel get up to the engine.

Like I said that fuel filter needs changed anyway, 128 K is way past it's bed time!

If the fuel pressure is good then we can look else where, but being how you havn't thrown any trouble codes to set off your check engine light, I'd bet your ignition is fine.

You know the PCM monitors the air/fuel ratio when the engine is running and if it can't adjust for it to keep it about 12.6 to 1 because of poor fuel supply, the O2 sensors will detect it and throw a code (and your check engine light) and it may be right on the verge of that now. If it had thrown a code this whole process would be easier. We would know were to look.

Rent or barrow a guage and check that fuel pressure.

As always this is just my .02 worth and is what I'd do.

Gene

Please let use know the out come!
I'll lend more advise if you care to listen!