12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain Talk about the 12V engine and drivetrain here. This is for 1994-1998.5 engine and drivetrain discussion only.

Getting harder to start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-12-2009, 01:02 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
chariotdriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: pacific northwest
Posts: 238
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Getting harder to start

My 97 is getting tired..........it used to start after about 1/2 second of cranking; maybe less. Now it takes a second or two and seems like a long time of cranking while pushing on the diesel pedal. I'm just wondering what has worn out out or needs to be upgraded to get her running like she used to. Already changed the fuel heater and gaskets and changed the fuel return line. Thanks in advance for any help, cd
Old 06-12-2009, 07:30 AM
  #2  
Registered User
 
mdavlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: wv
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The idle may have lowered itself you might want to bump it up a hair.
Old 06-12-2009, 07:38 AM
  #3  
Administrator
 
patdaly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Streator Illinois
Posts: 8,372
Received 172 Likes on 130 Posts
Also check for fuel filter/pre-filter obstructions. You might also have a crack in your fuel lines. Try using the prime button on the LP to pump up the system and see if that helps start it quicker.

The P7100 trucks always did start much better with a touch of throttle.
Old 06-12-2009, 11:42 AM
  #4  
Registered User
 
Dartmouth 12V's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Hanover, NH
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There are two possible causes: slow cranking and not enough fuel being delivered.

Slow cranking can be caused by bad batteries, dirty connections, or a tired starter.

Fuel problems can be caused by your idle being low or having air in your lines that needs to be purged out. Check your idle first, it should be at least 850 with the A/C on in drive.
Old 06-13-2009, 08:11 AM
  #5  
Registered User
 
DESL PWR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: South Mills, NC
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
When was the last time you adjusted the valves?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
06 nightmare
HELP!
2
02-18-2011 09:56 PM
MOAGGIE
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
6
08-22-2008 08:12 PM
silverbullet02
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
18
01-29-2006 10:04 PM
FireMarshalBill
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
3
01-09-2005 05:59 PM
aarlucas
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
2
06-23-2004 03:57 AM



Quick Reply: Getting harder to start



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:47 PM.