Part time hard start issue

2013 V6 with 130000 KM . My truck starts fine most of the time. Lately at the end of my work day when I first try to start it I have to crank it a lot,less than 5 seconds. So far this only occurs at the end of my work day after the truck sits the whole time. First thing in the morning it starts fine,if I shut it off after a hard start it starts fine. Is the truck trying to tell me to get a new job?

 

I'd start with the simple things, job change, spark plugs, MAF sensor clean, new air filter, maybe run some Techron through the gas.
When were the plugs last changed? How far do you drive daily? What's the general mechanical condition of the truck?

 

Plugs have about 42000 KM on them( getting close so I'll put new ones in), during the week I drive about 30 KM a day, I don't abuse the truck so mechanically its in good shape. The things you mentioned I'm planning to do this weekend, just confuses me why it starts fine except at the end of my work day. Thanks for your response I now have my shopping list in hand. Start with the basics first I guess.

 

you say end of day but is that a day of running around or sitting in a lot for 8 odd hours so it cold but warmer than when you started in the morning to go to work?
makes no sense but just trying to understand

 

CraigF, this is after it sits at work for 10 hours. Problem just started up so trying to diagnose it. I'll try to update with what I do but that won't be till Tuesday when I'm back at work. This weekend will be plugs ,air filter and such.

 

Dirty MAF and TB are usually to blame for a hard start like this. When my work truck, GMC sierra 1500, does exactly as you describe, I know it's time to clean the MAF & TB, then it starts just fine.

 

Bless you, for actually trying to understand the issue...instead of being like everyone else:

 

Sometimes as vehicles get a bit older the fuel will drain back a bit when sitting for a long time. Try this:

Turn the key to the on position and wait until you hear the fuel pump stop running, then turn the key further to crank the engine.

Also try doing the above but turn the key back off instead of cranking, then turn the key on and wait for the fuel pump again before cranking. This would cycle the fuel pump 2X.

Might help, might not - but doesn't cost anything to try.

 

If it does this there is a leak in an injector, check valve or the fuel regulator on the rail.

 

From what I've read, the fuel pump only gets power when the engine is running or when tuning it over to start. It doesn't prime the fuel rail first.

 

That is my understanding as well.

 

I was thinking it might be something to do with oil pressure. It won’t fire the plugs until it has oil pressure, guessing.

I generally don’t drive it Monday through Friday, mostly only weekends. Mine starts fine in the morning, then say if I make a coffee run, park it and don’t start it until several hours later, it’ll long crank start. But if I run around all day starting and stopping, it starts quickly all day long. Sometimes the first start Saturday morning will long crank start. So I don’t know.

 

Starts fine now,plugs,air filter,TB MAF cleaned and some injector cleaner in the tank. The plugs weren't bad but as soon as I changed them the truck started easier. Thanks for the replies

 

I’m curious if the gap on the old plugs were large.

 

Would like to see where you sit after a week. Glad you at least have improved starting now.

 

They were pushing about .045