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Pearce · 03-08-2013, 08:18 AM

I am the recent owner of a 2005 Monaco Monarch(gas burner on Ford chassis). We love it and have really enjoyed the coach. It hasn't been used much prior to our purchase. Everything seems to work great with the exception of minor things like light bulbs, squeaky hinges, that sort of thing which I have tended to and brought back to life. However I do have one problem that I don't know if it is common or what I am looking at. I am new to motorhomes but not exactly new to mechanics so I am trying to troubleshoot myself and need your help. After I turn off the ignition and kill the engine, I have to turn the key one and off several times and the motor spins over longer than I believe should be necessary for it to crank. I turn the key on and off in an attempt to gain fuel pressure. It's almost like I am losing prime. When it does crank it runs fine. Just getting it started is a problem. Anyone else had or heard of this problem?

Thanks for any and all help.

garykk · 03-08-2013, 05:16 PM

I am assuming the engine is fuel injected. What you describe sounds like the system is loosing pressure or the fuel pump is weak. Time for a pressure check. You'll probably need a service manual for your engine unless someone here can walk you thru it.

mrv8outboard · 03-08-2013, 06:43 PM

Is there a "check engine" on? If so we would need the codes. You say you have to keep cycling the switch and then it may crank after several attempts? Correct? This may be an issue with your range selector switch (neutral safety). Try putting it in neutral and see if that changes the symptoms. Let us know.

mrv8outboard · 03-08-2013, 06:45 PM

Oh one other thing as I just saw it was a 2005, battery voltage is very important. Things go askew with a marginal battery.

HeapBigEngin · 03-09-2013, 01:09 AM

I agree re low voltage and fuel injection. Good battery power is important. However, low voltage here usually results in driveability issues rather than long cranking issues. I do agree that you may be experiencing a fuel pressure problem on initial start-up. Most of the newer systems run at about 35-45 psi and should hold that pressure for some time after shutdown. If the system is losing pressure after shutdown, the fuel pump must rebuild it before the computer/ECM will activate the injectors and allow the engine to start....hence, long crank time. Once it starts, the engine normally runs just fine....until the next time.

If it is pressure loss, the two usual suspects are fuel pump (internal one-way valve issue) and/or one or more injectors. There are specific pressure checks that can be performed that will isolate one from the other. It seems these days that fuel pumps are more prone to this than injectors. If the vehicle has been sitting much, however, you may just have an injector or two that is/are hanging up a bit from old gas or crud. One hanging injector can easily cause fuel pressure loss and long crank times.

You might try a good, name-brand injector cleaner additive and take your coach out for a nice 4-5 hour drive and see it it makes any difference. I have used Sea Foam in the past with excellent results....its one of those aftermarket products that actually works. Might be worth a try before you get too far into the mechanics of pressure checks, etc.

Hope this helps. Please let us know how you make out...thanks!

Pearce · 03-09-2013, 09:00 AM

I'm currently at work and will return home Tuesday. I appreciate all the input and will use this information when I get home. I will let you know how it turns out or what I find.

cb1000rider · 03-10-2013, 08:32 PM

I'm betting that he's getting heat sink when turning off and that the fuel is boiling (vapor lock) upon restart. To confirm, press the schrader valve and have someone turn the key to ON. Not this will result in some level of fuel being spilled.

If you get air - you're vapor locked.

Anyone know if this year ford has a recirculating fuel system? If not, I'd be looking for the right places to insulate.