So. I have this problem with my 2004 ram 1500 5.7. It will crank over for about ten seconds on a cold start up before actually turning over. This "cold start up" could mean first thing in the morning or me parking the truck in a lot and going shopping for more than a half hour. I'll come back and it will rev for about 5-10 seconds before starting.

I have noticed if I tap the gas, it'll turn over (but go very high in the rpms) and run fine.

I also have noticed that there is a strong smell from the exhaust when I start it up cold.

If it is hot, it'll start up no problem. Like if I pumped gas and started it up after a few minutes.

Also, I have a multiple misfire CEL that pops up. I've cleared it a few times and have realized it only misfires during the initial start.

The idle is ok and so is driving. It hasn't died once and will get me to where i want to go no problems at all. (Knock on wood)



I have been told it might be the: Fuel injectors, the timing chain, or the EGR valve. I pray it isnt the timing chain...



If anyone can help me with this mysterious problem, I would be VERY THANKFUL.



DS

 

I would say it sounds like one or more of your fuel injector solenoids are shot. A few injectors may be dumping way more fuel then they should and making starting difficult (you smell all the unburnt fuel). Tapping the gas actually brings in more oxygen through the intake to compensate for the extra fuel. It doesn't sound at all EGR related and not too likely that it's timing related either. You can pull out the injectors and see what the heck they're doing or try listening to them - if you're not getting a distinct even ticking in all of them you have a problem. Just make sure you put everything back together correctly(like spark wires routed through the loom in the right order) when it's all done.

 

Unless it has 150K+, it isn't likely to be the timing chain. Have you cleaned the throttle body? How many miles on the plugs? Try a Sea Foam treatment, maybe an injector is clogged. Anyway, cheap stuff first.

 

Thanks for the replies!

So..the truck has about 130k. All the basic maint. including spark plugs have been done within the last month. I cleaned the throttle body a few weeks ago (very dirty).

I'm going to go with both of your advice and clean the injectors. I've tried a bottle on injector cleaner and it didnt work but I'll try the seafoam tonight after work. You gus recommend the foam right??

Thanks again for the replies!

 

Seafoam is good stuff yes - but it won't cure problematic injector solenoids. Definitely give the injectors a good listen/inspection.