Hard starting

[countryboy_57]

I've got a 87 truck with 260,000 miles on it....last couple of months it has been very hard to start.....may take a minute of grinding before it finally starts.... once it starts it runs fine and will start right up again.........but if it sits for a couple hours or so it won't start again..... however if I take the breather off and shoot a quick spray of carborator cleaner in the carb before trying to start it for the first time it starts right up and runs fine....... ideas ??? Thanks-----

[qsd-dan]

I'm only familar with the EFI's from this genration, but have owned several carbed vehicles in the past. Issues that come to mind: Is the choke completly closing after depressing the accelerator to the floor before starting? Also, have you tried pumping the gas pedal while cranking to see if that helps it start sooner? If so, the carb probably needs to be rebuilt. I know a few individuals who complain after accumilating over 200,000 miles about starting and running issues and their carb has never even been touched!! They do need to be taken completly apart and cleaned once in a while

[countryboy_57]

You're probably right..........it's been a good truck......only "major" thing I've had to do to it was put on a couple water pumps........so I can't complain------ the choke does not close completely... there's prob and 1/8" gap or so......and yes I've tried pumping while trying to start.....but to no avail........appreciate your reply!!! Thanks----

[qsd-dan]

Ok, this is bugging me now. I just whipped out my factory service manual (1984) and found the following possible causes listed for you problem(s):

Choke operation
Flooding (the opposite of your problem it seems)
Needle vavle sticking or clogged
Vacuum hose disconected or damaged
Fuel cut soleniod valve not open

I guess the easiest would be to check all of the vacuum hoses. Just replacing all of them seems to cure a lot of problems for most people.

According to the FSM (facotry service manual):
To check the fuel cut soleniod valve, connect the terminals to the battery terminals. You should feel a click from the soleniod valve when battery power is connected and disconnected. If the soleniod valve is not operating properly, replace it.

Is there any other symptoms like rough idling, stalling, hesitation, poor acceleration, poor fuel milage, engine dieseling?