My 98 starts hard in the cold all of a sudden

[RaysBlue98]

no check engine light, nothing. Happens in the morning as I'm headed to work. This morning it took 20 seconds plus to start it. It seems to take a little bit after work to start it, but nothing bad. Running around during the day it seems just fine. Just 1st thing in the morning. Seems to be getting worse as winter wears on.
Any guesses as to whats going on? Thanks in advance.

 

[Twin4573]

How many miles is on your truck? May need heavier weight oil.


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[kennythewelder]

Check your fuel pressure. It need to be over 60 PSI, before you start the engine. It should get to this when you turn the key on. The fuel pump comes on for IDK something like 2 seconds, before you start the truck. This is where you need over 60 PSI. If you dont have that much pressure, then the fuel pump is getting weak, and needs to be replaced. AC Delco, or Delphi pump only. The cheap pumps are trash, and will not hold up.

 

[df2x4]

I was going to suggest a possible fuel pressure issue too. One thing you can try is turning the key to the "On" position and leaving it there for 5-10 seconds before you try cranking it to prime the system. If that helps, there's probably a fuel delivery problem.

 

[94burbk1500]

How many miles is on your truck? May need heavier weight oil.


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What the hell does oil have to do with trouble starting?

+1 on fuel pressure issue.

 

[Schurkey]

First thing that crossed my mind is a failed fuel pump relay, or fuel pump relay wire harness, or the part of the ECM that drives the fuel pump relay failed.

Vehicle needs oil pressure to engage the fuel pump. Cold weather makes oil pressure slower to build. Therefore, more cranking before fuel pressure, takes longer to start.

It's warmer after work, doesn't take as long to build oil pressure, vehicle starts somewhat faster.





Thicker oil will make this worse.

 

[delta_p]

Way it works on my truck is there is a fuel pump relay, and fuel pump switch in the oil pressure switch. Turn the key if the fuel pump relay works there is fuel pressure. Start the truck and fuel pump switch in the oil pressure switch engages with oil pressure. The two providing a power source. Lose the relay while running and the fuel pump still goes as long as oil pressure. I think fuel switch in oil pressure switch is inteneded backup to VCM/relay primary mode to keep from total failure on-road/driving.

 

[RaysBlue98]

Check your fuel pressure. It need to be over 60 PSI, before you start the engine. It should get to this when you turn the key on. The fuel pump comes on for IDK something like 2 seconds, before you start the truck. This is where you need over 60 PSI. If you dont have that much pressure, then the fuel pump is getting weak, and needs to be replaced. AC Delco, or Delphi pump only. The cheap pumps are trash, and will not hold up.

Thanks will try it this morning. Been kinda wondering if the fuel pump is getting weak. Every once in awhile when passing, it acts like its running out of gas.

 

[RaysBlue98]

Way it works on my truck is there is a fuel pump relay, and fuel pump switch in the oil pressure switch. Turn the key if the fuel pump relay works there is fuel pressure. Start the truck and fuel pump switch in the oil pressure switch engages with oil pressure. The two providing a power source. Lose the relay while running and the fuel pump still goes as long as oil pressure. I think fuel switch in oil pressure switch is inteneded backup to VCM/relay primary mode to keep from total failure on-road/driving.

First thing that crossed my mind is a failed fuel pump relay, or fuel pump relay wire harness, or the part of the ECM that drives the fuel pump relay failed.

Vehicle needs oil pressure to engage the fuel pump. Cold weather makes oil pressure slower to build. Therefore, more cranking before fuel pressure, takes longer to start.

It's warmer after work, doesn't take as long to build oil pressure, vehicle starts somewhat faster.





Thicker oil will make this worse.

Acts more like a fuel issue than anything else.thanks though.