I'm trying to figure this one out and know I need to make a trek to my mechanic to get something replaced asap.

This is the problem:

Several times over the last few months, I've had issues with the truck starting after refueling. This actually started after replacing the battery.

At one particular station, I don't have the luxury to let the fuel settle before driving off, so this happens more frequently at that station.

I try to start the truck, but the battery indicator shows less than half power, then shuts down. The 2nd attempt brings a failure to start. The 3rd attempt usually gets it going.

Today however, this wasn't the case. I tried several times to get it started, but it refused to go to full power. The engine just refused to turn over.

Several people tell me it's the fuel filter that needs to be replaced. I called my mechanic shop and they said fuel pump.

I need people who know these trucks to tell me what the problem is, so when I go to get it fixed, I know what I'm getting into.

It's a V8, 5.2L engine.

 

Sounds (to me) like a loose connection, or a bad cable to the starter (it is directly next to the exhaust manifold). Secondly, I would check the engine grounding points. Last, check the relay and the physical starter. It is a 18 year old vehicle, so some wear and tear is to be expected. If the engine doesn't turn then the starter is the culprit. EDIT: Is it turning over and not starting, or not turning over? If it turns over, but is not starting then the crank position sensor is USUALLY to blame.

 

It turns over and starts, but then stops because there's not enough power.

Second time it tries to turn over but wont.

 

Ya it does sound like your getting a bad connection somewhere.

 

by "turn over" is the engine not cranking but cranking and just "won't fire"?

 

You more than likely did clean the terminals on the battery real good, otherwise I would have the battery checked, sure sounds like you are running out of battery.

 

It's a brand new battery.

 

Just now saw that you are from Ontario, whereabouts?

 

Toronto.

 

Having this trouble now when the engine is hot. I'm finding that I have to gas it to get it started, something with the carburetor, not sure exactly what it is. I'm being told that the wire is stiff.

I bought cleaner for the carburetor today, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

If in fact, this is the problem, what can I do to fix it?