Starts but wont stay running

[bigredlab]

I live in Los Angeles and my 86 M1009 is having problems.

Here is what it is doing:
- The wait light comes on and turns off like it should (you hear the electric 'clunk').
- The engine cranks (plenty of charge indicated) just fine.
- About 1/4 tank of fuel.
- The engine 'started' (big plume of smoke) a couple of times but won't stay running.
- Outside Temp this morning: 58deg F


Within the last 6 months:
- New glow plugs
- New fuel injector pump
- New voltage regulator
- New Batteries

Any Ideas what could be wrong?

 

[joec]

Contact Mangus580 He can point u in the right direction if no one else chimes in.

 

[mangus580]

When you say it started.... did it do more than fire a couple times? or did it run for more than 5-10 seconds?

 

[joec]

Speaking of the man. I figured you have been down this route before. Not familiar with timing on GM

 

[mangus580]

I dont think its a timing issue.

If it actually starts, runs for more than a couple 'sputters'.... its an air leak problem (or maybe bad fuel pump)

If it just sputters, stubmles but never 'actually' runs... its most likely a glow plug problem.

 

[bigredlab]

I would try to start it for a couple of turns with no luck. Then Vroooommm! (big cloud of smoke) and it stopped again. Never really got going.

 

[mangus580]

Air in the lines

 

[bigredlab]

Air in the lines

Forgive me, Air in the fuel lines, correct? (As opposed to a vacuum line problem)

 

[joec]

Air in the lines

Forgive me, Air in the fuel lines, correct? (As opposed to a vacuum line problem)

No vac lines on a diesel other then a Vacum pump for that

 

[CCATLETT1984]

it could be the fuel lift pump on the side of the block, there is a check ball that is supposed to stop fuel from running back to the tank, but it sometimes fails.

 

[bigredlab]

it could be the fuel lift pump on the side of the block, there is a check ball that is supposed to stop fuel from running back to the tank, but it sometimes fails.

Any way to test for that/correct it?

 

[mitchellracing]

Iwould fill it with fuel. You mentioned it only had 1/4 of a tank of fuel.

 

[CCATLETT1984]

to test for the check ball, get a buddy to open the bleeder on the top of the fuel filter as soon as you start cranking, you should have fuel immediately, if you dont you have air in the line and odds are the fuel pump is the issue. not an expensive part, but somewhat of a pain to get to.

 

[mangus580]

Iwould fill it with fuel. You mentioned it only had 1/4 of a tank of fuel.

Duh! very valid point.... nothing says your gauge is right....

 

[bigredlab]

In the warmth of the afternoon, it was a little difficult to start, but it started. Drove it down and filled up with diesel fuel. Ran fine.

Now the wait light (and associated sounds) isn't working (again). Darn Gremlins just keep jumping around.

 

[mangus580]

You have a glow plug system problem

time to figure out where the problem exists. If you arent hearing hte solenoid (clunk), as well as the light isnt working, I would suspect the controller.

Find the blue wire on the solenoid. Using a jumper, connect that terminal to ground. see if it activates the solenoid. If so, you have a controller problem. If not, you have other issues, and we need to look further (btw, key must be on I believe)

 

[bigredlab]

You have a glow plug system problem

time to figure out where the problem exists. If you arent hearing hte solenoid (clunk), as well as the light isnt working, I would suspect the controller.

Find the blue wire on the solenoid. Using a jumper, connect that terminal to ground. see if it activates the solenoid. If so, you have a controller problem. If not, you have other issues, and we need to look further (btw, key must be on I believe)

I agree.

When I turn on the car now, no solenoid clunk. It is a civvy converted model (yeah, I know ) and I just replaced the controller. So its back under the hood with my lil' multimeter.