Diesel Gladiator Starting Problems

[azaustin]

The latest problem I have had with my Gladiator is a failure to start. The engine will crank over, but no start. It acts like the fuel relay isn’t kicking in. It is an intermittent problem, and the engine will usually start after a few tries or waiting a minute or two. Originally, it only happened after the truck had sat overnight. Then it happened after I had just driven 20 miles. My dealer’s service manager said he had only seen this when there was water in the fuel. The first few times it didn’t start there were no warning lights. The last time it wouldn’t start was yesterday, and it the water in fuel light came on momentarily. I crawled under the truck and managed to get the petcock on the filter open, but no water. Also no start, and I was getting a glow plug light, even though it was warm. I grabbed a container and drained quite a bit of fuel, but, again, got no water. Just before the tow truck arrived, it started. I drove it home and it started just fine, but again, it showed water in the fuel, the glow plug light would come on momentarily (but it kept cranking) and I started getting a loose fuel cap light. This time I drained everything that was in the filter cup, still no water. I also checked the gas cap, but it was tight. Today I started it at least six times with no problem, but the water in fuel light still comes on momentarily. Tomorrow I’m taking it back to the dealer I bought it from in Lake Havasu. I called the dealer in Flagstaff when it happened there last week and they told me they were busy and would call me back.. They didn’t. I called their service department yesterday (twice, and left messages) because I was going to have it towed there. They never called me back.

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[azaustin]

Got my Gladiator back week before last. It was the lift pump (the one located in the fuel tank like a regular fuel pump.) Seems to be working ok now. Towed my Rockwood 2104S to the Mogollon Rim from our cabin in Munds Park last Monday and averaged nearly 16mpg (calculated at fill up) round trip running 50-55mph. Fresh water tank was full and I had my KTM 350EXC on the trailer receiver hitch. Quite a few small up and down hills both ways. I do watch the tach, engine oil temp/coolant temp and shift the auto trans manually.

We’ll see if it holds up.

 

[Almost]

Unfortunate, but looks like you just got the short end of the stick. You are the first I have read about in regards to the lift pump here, or in any of the FB groups I follow. In my experience, all Jeeps end up having a few issues to be worked out at first. I wouldn't sweat it and I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[Rusty PW]

Unfortunate, but looks like you just got the short end of the stick. You are the first I have read about in regards to the lift pump here, or in any of the FB groups I follow. In my experience, all Jeeps end up having a few issues to be worked out at first. I wouldn't sweat it and I'm sure it will be fine.

His is the first lift pump that went bad that I know of.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Got my Gladiator back week before last. It was the lift pump (the one located in the fuel tank like a regular fuel pump.) Seems to be working ok now. Towed my Rockwood 2104S to the Mogollon Rim from our cabin in Munds Park last Monday and averaged nearly 16mpg (calculated at fill up) round trip running 50-55mph. Fresh water tank was full and I had my KTM 350EXC on the trailer receiver hitch. Quite a few small up and down hills both ways. I do watch the tach, engine oil temp/coolant temp and shift the auto trans manually.

We’ll see if it holds up.

Glad it was the lift pump and not the CP4!

I read that you put a motorcycle on your trailer"s receiver? With a lightweight rv, that sounds like a recipe for disaster and heartache. I've questioned putting my 701 on the Gladiators reciever but have yet to try it.

 

[azaustin]

Actually, my rv normally comes with a receiver hitch on the rear. Mine didn’t because they are prohibited in Texas where it was originally purchased. My KTM 350 EXC is well below the factory limit for that hitch. I will never tow with it, even though the factory hitch is rated for 3500 pounds.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Actually, my rv normally comes with a receiver hitch on the rear. Mine didn’t because they are prohibited in Texas where it was originally purchased. My KTM 350 EXC is well below the factory limit for that hitch. I will never tow with it, even though the factory hitch is rated for 3500 pounds.

No doubt in my mind the hitch itself is rated for #3500, but it's the RV's frame I question with the combined weights/dynamics of the hitch carrier and motorcycle bouncing back there.

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