ok so this is what happened. When the ol girl sits for a day she is hard to start if it starts at all. With a little shot of either it fires right up. This is a new problem. after she runs for a while it will start with no problem! Fuel lines or an air leak I am sure. Today I went to start it and it almost caught but did not. Now it is acting like the timing chain is broke. I get maybe 3 hard cranks out of her and that's it. Battery is good and starter is good. Could this in fact be the timimg chain and how big of a pain in the butt is it to change? This is my first diesel and I love it . pulls my camper with ease.

UPDATE: You guy's won't believe it but all this was caused by a bad starter! Got a new one for $200.00 and she purrs like a cat! I have learned a lot from you all but, there is tons more to know! Thank you everyone and see you all later in the forum. Tim

 

no chain on the cummins!

 

Thanks John. Just found that out! Never had the opportunity to tear one down. Still cant figure why its cranking like this. Its like its vapor locked.

 

Make sure the shut down solenoid is working, with key on solenoid should lift up. If not lift up on it with your hand if it goes up and stays then the pull up coil is dead in the solenoid. It will look burnt on the outside. If it cranks over try cracking open a fuel lines at the injector, just two or three lines that you can get at. Crank over engine do you get any fuel to injectors?? If not try pushing the primer button on the lift pump, loosen the pressure regulator valve on the top of injection pump (overflow valve) until you see fuel there. Check return hose from injectors for leakage, this hose usually causes many hard start problems because it allows the fuel to drain back to tank thus loosing the prime. Replace line if it is cracking.

 

Thanks Big Ron! Awesome information. I'm learning more and more as I go along. I will check all these indicators. My son and I are going to tackle it tomorrow and hope for the best. I'm still not sure why it would crank like it is out of time. Very hard to turn over even with good batteries. I fearful that the KDP is involved. Appreciate all the good info, thank you.

 

Something simple to check: After an attempt to start the truck, follow the big red cable from the driver side battery to the starter with your hand- feel for heat. If the cable is rotten it will lead to the same symptoms you describe.

 

Thanks for the info on the battery cable. I will check that out as well. Need to cover all my bases and find out what is going on. Going to tear into it today and find the issue. I will keep everyone posted as to my findings. Thanks

 

Are you aware of what happens when starting fluid and grid heaters are used at the same time? I hope you removed the signal to the relays that operate the grid heaters before using either.

 

Yes I am aware ! LOL! don't think I'd be here to reply if I was not aware. Still have the non start issue after sitting 24 hours so its fuel line replacement time.

 

Easiest is to just run rubber all the way up, 3/8" feed, 5/16" return, make sure you use diesel rated hose.

If you don't want to source it all, Larry B's sells a complete kit with Trident marine diesel rated hose.

 

About the hose replacement- do also take a look at the fuel tank- there are 2 quick connect fittings where the metal part on the tank can rust through.
Another potential air leak (on the 24V) is on the back of the head where the injector leakage line connects to the pump return. (I don't know if this is the same on your truck)