My problem is a bit unique. My 2600i 4x4 engine just died while driving. It wouldn't start so I towed it home. About 1-hour later it started just fine, now it will start sometimes and won't start other times. I don't feel comfortable driving it and have no clue where to start trouble shooting. Is there anyone out there that can give me any guidance?

I am going to assume that the engine cranks over, but does not start. Have you checked to make sure you have spark? Next are you sure that you are getting fuel to the fuel rail? Has this truck ever had the ECM changed or has anyone ever removed the cover from the ECM to see if the notorious electrolytic capacitor has leaked all over the circuit board and corroded it. These are just some of the things to check. I USE TO HAVE a 1989 2600i 4x4. Key words USE TO HAVE!!!!!!!!!! Good luck!

Thanks for the input, I checked the ECU and couldn’t find any burn marks. There is some odd leakage on the ECU you mentioned, but I don’t know if it’s on the electrolytic capacitor; the leakage is around a larger round black do-hicky with a gold tube protruding through to the bottom side of the board. The leakage extends about ¼” from one side on the circuit board.

But here’s the clincher, the car starts fine, although not as quickly as it did before the problem surfaced. Now it takes several turns of the engine until it runs. So, it does have a spark but I haven’t checked it during the time it won’t start (I’ll do that next and post).

Is there anything I can check other than waiting for another failure? I’d hate to be stranded again, AAA sent me a nasty letter and don’t want to piss them off any more.

That Black do-hickey is the notorious capacitor, it will continue to leak and destroy the circuit board. Then you are SOL, and have to by a new ECM. If you have any reliable electronics repair shops in your area, they may be able to replace the bad(leaking) capacitor. If not ther is a gentlemen in Texas that repairs these ECM's.

Also as another check as you say the truck started but you had to crank it several times. Possible plugged fuel filter and you are not getting full fuel pressure to the fuel rail. Or the fuel pump could be going south on you.

I very much appreciate your help and input. After reading your advice I sprayed the capacitor with electronic cleaner to remove the discharge and I sprayed the air filter sensor (I think it was called the MAP or MAS) with carburetor cleaner. Now the engine starts up as before but I'm a tad reluctant to drive it long distance until I resolve the ECU leakage.

I'll look into the place you noted about rebuilding it, do you have a company name I can try?

Again, many thanks for your assistance!