Triton V10 hot start issues?

[Steverino]

Hi all,

We just purchased a 2000 Jayco 3230 - E450 with the Triton V10. On our voyage home, I noticed that the engine started immediately when cold. However, when we would stop for lunch and it sat for a half hour or so, it would take much more cranking before it would fire up. I'm guessing maybe a heat-soak problem?? I did read elsewhere that maybe it could be a fuel pump issue or an injector that's allowing some leakdown of fuel.

Didn't know if this is a common problem with these and would like to be fore-armed when I go to the mechanic.

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[Davinger]

Speaking from the perspective of a lazy mechanic I would suggest you check your battery and alternator. At times the battery can be going bad and will start while cold but after the alternator hits it for a few hours it could be losing some cranking power. Doesn't happen often but I have seen it a few times.

[Steverino]

Thanks for the suggestion Davinger. I should have noted that it cranks fine - seems to turn over fast and freely, just doesn't want to fire up as soon when hot.

That said, I'll still ask my mechanic to verify that the battery / alternator is okay - you never know.

[jorgen1959]

I had the exact same problem with my 2000 V10. Always started first time when cold, but when hot, would take 2-4 cranks. Also, when pulling a long, steep grade, I would sometimes get a check engine light. As expected, it was the fuel pump. Was putting out about half the factory pressure. New fuel pump solved the problem but was not cheap. Pump is in the tank. Make sure your tank in near empty before bring in for repair or do it yourself.

[milasman]

Thinking it is the fuel pump too...

[Murf2u]

Originally Posted by Steverino

I did read elsewhere that maybe it could be a fuel pump issue or an injector that's allowing some leakdown of fuel.

If it was an injector leaking down it would be worse the longer it sat, i.e. the 'cold start' would be the worst, not the hot start.

I'd be more inclined to start with things like the cold start circuit and sensor, if it's malfunctioning then the extra fuel it's giving the engine when it's hot (and unneeded) thinking it's actually stone cold, would be causing a minor flood situation, thus the extra cranking to get the mixture back down to where it will start.

[Steverino]

Thanks for the ideas, guys. Over the summer I changed the fuel filter as a precaution, but the hot start problem is no better (or worse, for that matter). Will check further into the cold start sensor and/or the fuel pump.