My 2001 Dodge 4x4 1500 318 engine strarted about 6 months ago getting hard to start after sitting awhile. it only has at this time 75,000 miles and has been serviced regulary. previously as soon as the key was turned it started immedietly. even now, after turning off for a short period, cranks right up. the time it takes to start is about 4-5 seconds from a cold start. that is a eternity when engine is spinning. once started, runs great. have noticed slight smell of gas after starting. I replaced plugs, and battery and was even talked into replacing fuel pump. problem still exists. Any suggestions. Thanks! oh, I almost forgot. Someone told me to try holding the accelarator down and then letting it back up as soon as it cranks to see if this helps it to start quicker. I tryed it today. It started immedietly from a cold start. Whats going on? Thanks!

 

Get a fuel pressure tester and make sure you don't have leaking injectors or a defective new fuel pump. Remove the TB and clean it and all the associated sensors. IAC to be more specific.

 

Thanks for the reply, they have checked the pressure and said it met the specs of holding for 2 minutes. an ex crysler mechanic said also that after market fuel pumps had no check valve. is this true? also, I'm a novice, What is IAC and TB? Thanks

 

[quote=sfsiegel;2466896] has been serviced regulary quote]


Has the regular service included distibutor cap, rotor, and plug wires?

 

IAC = Idle air control motor. Regulates engine idle speed.

TPS = Throttle Position Sensor. Tells the PCM how hard you are stepping on the go pedal.

When was the last time your truck had a tune up?

 

And TB is throttle body

 

And NASA is National Acronym Society of America.

 

It should hold pressure for more than 2 minutes. 3 or 4 lbs loss after 15 minutes or so is more like it.

 

F.u.b.a.r.

 

i have never changed the rotor, plug wires or dist cap. super tune service (ex crysler guy opened shop) put truck on machine and said plugs needed changing. also, he said at some point we might want to change rotor. after changing plugs he said truck was in good shape for now according to machine. would this cause the delayed start. also, if holding down the accelerator shortens the time to start, what does this mean? I will recheck presure tommorow, is the 3-4 lbs pressure loss in 15 minutes within acceptable limits. Also, do you think the TB, IAC and TPS if dirty could be causing the delayed start. should i be getting codes if these were bad? Would "a" leaking injector cause this problem or would it take more than one or should I be getting a code if this was bad enough to fale a plug? what would be the symptoms of one or more leaking injectors. Thanks