Hard to start engine then dies?

[lostkeys]

Hi guys,
Looking at a pup that's been sitting for 3-5 years. Tried to start it originally but dead battery. Jumped it and it would turn but not start. Finally got it to crank later in the day but it seemed to die withing 2 seconds of starting, the engine felt like it sputtering before dying. Am I doing something wrong, or is that pointing to a more severe issue with the engine??
Mostly interested in the engine of the car for sale if that counts. Any other common issues with storing it like that (aside from rust) would be great to give me a heads up on it.

Edit:
C223 non turbo, shortbed, 5 speed model, federal emissions. No 4x4. Had been sitting under a tree/open field from some time.

Milano area (So kinda wet but not really)

[JoeIsuzu]

These are classic symptoms of air leaking into the fuel system. Based on it having sat outdoors without running for 3-5 years, I'd start checking or replacing fuel lines. At a bare minimum, cut 1/2 inch off of the soft line at the fuel filter inlet and outlet, and the other end that connects to the injection pump, and re-clamp each one. There's also a connection at the firewall and a couple between the cab and the tank. The fuel filter could be full of algae, and clogged. But if you replace it, you're likely to introduce more air into the lines, and you'll have to bleed them and crank for a long time. I'd avoid removing that, until you've decided whether or not to buy it.

That may not solve the issue, but that's where I'd start.

Jack

[dorf]

Ditto...what jack said

Replace all fuel lines, use worm type clamps


Suggest using Gates barricade..hoses. Are for diesel fuel

[lostkeys]

These are classic symptoms of air leaking into the fuel system. Based on it having sat outdoors without running for 3-5 years, I'd start checking or replacing fuel lines. At a bare minimum, cut 1/2 inch off of the soft line at the fuel filter inlet and outlet, and the other end that connects to the injection pump, and re-clamp each one. There's also a connection at the firewall and a couple between the cab and the tank. The fuel filter could be full of algae, and clogged. But if you replace it, you're likely to introduce more air into the lines, and you'll have to bleed them and crank for a long time. I'd avoid removing that, until you've decided whether or not to buy it.

That may not solve the issue, but that's where I'd start.

Jack

Any other location it would also leak air in aside from the lines? Just making sure I try to strike out as much as possible.

[Halden]

Any other location it would also leak air in aside from the lines? Just making sure I try to strike out as much as possible.

There are a few lines on the tank. You can also trim a little bit off of there and re seat them.

[fen]

I put a little clear inline fuel filter just before the fuel water separator. I was getting rust flakes from the tank that were clogging in it and causing stalling issues. Once I realized that I had the tank cleaned out and issues resolved.