Hello folks, just joined the forum. I have a 97 3500 8 cyl 360 that has given me pretty good service over the past few years. I did replace the motor about nine months ago due to over heating. whats happening right now is, in the mornings and any other time the truck has sat for a hour or so, (its cold weather atm) she has trouble starting. I turn the key and it cranks fast and strong... but it wont fire off... untill I turn the key a second time. When its colder it may take three attempts. It always starts, but never on the first try. Seems to run fine, and it will crank right up when its warm out or if the motor is warm. I could use some ideas, cant seem to find anything online myself. thanks a bunch.

 

I would suggest checking fuel pressure, but, that's not a simple task on the 97's..... So, try this: Turn the key to on, so you hear the fuel pump prime. When it stops, turn the ignition off, and then back on so the pump primes again. THEN try starting it. If it fires right off, I would guess you have a failing pump, or, some water in the tank..... (and if you are going to go to all the trouble of dropping the tank, it would be silly NOT to replace the fuel pump on a high mileage truck. Skip the Air-tex pumps though. Unless you LIKE changing it every year.)

Welcome to DF!

 

I can't hear the pump, but I did turn the key on for about thirty seconds, turned it off, and did that again, and yep, fires right off every time I do that. So looks like I'll be dropping the tank. Thanks so much, it was driving me nuts! And thanks for the welcome as well.

 

Get a denso, or delphi pump. Yeah, they cost more, but, in the end, they are cheaper, as you are not dropping the tank twice a year to change the pump, again.

It would be *nice* to be able to verify the issue with a gauge...... but, I think that's about 20-30 bucks in parts, plus a gauge......