1997 EB w/5.4 starting issues

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brilis

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Hey all,

My 97 EB with a 5.4 just hit 100K. Don't use the truck much. More for a Sunday driver or to tow my dirt bikes a few times a year. Truck is immaculate. Just can't get rid of it even though it doesn't get much use. One of my favorite to drive.

The truck runs perfect when running. But over the last few weeks it just seems to take longer to start. Not all the time. I thought maybe a bad load of gas, ran it down and filled back up. Same issue. It may crank for 5 seconds sometimes before it starts. Then it will start and run perfectly. No issues.

Just wondering what to look for. Thanks.

Brian
 

Hamfisted

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Worn out fuel pump check valve ( age related, not mileage related...). Do you have a fuel pressure test kit ? What kind of fuel pressure are you getting at the fuel rail schrader valve ? Should see 45-55 psi when idle. Check that your fuel pressure remains at 25 psi or above after engine shutdown. With a bad fuel pump check valve you will see your rail fuel pressure drop to zero within a minute after shutdown. As a bandaid you can flip the ignition ON and OFF a few times before you actually try to start the motor. This will re-prime the fuel rail with fuel pressure and make for quick, normal starts. But to actually fix the problem you have to replace the fuel pump.







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brilis

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Thanks for the reply. I do not have a press test kit but I will try out what you suggested. Thanks.
 
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