Ok I think this problem is solved...
replaced the battery today with a 1075CA and havent been able to duplicate problem.
but now have otehr issues..insert pulling out hair smiley here)

 

THE FREAKING FUELK FILTER WAS LOOSE ..... when it got cold enough, it was drawing air into the system...this is one of those, "icant beleive I did that" things......
man I am SUCh an idiot soemtimes

 

Good thing you found it.

I had similar no starting problems(but no real cold exposure in cali), but if i primed it with the lift pump mine would start. I couldnt find any leaks in the fuel system, replaced the filter, ect ect.

Even though i could prime the truck and it ran ok, i ended up upgrading to a piston lift pump and the problem magically went away, and at the same time, started smoking a little less.

 

They tell you to only go a half or three-quarter turn past contact on the gasket when re-installing the filter, which I think is a tad conservative. I put them on "nice and snug," which is probably more like about a full turn past contact. Just don't torque it down real hard and it will be fine.

 

I get 'em as tight as my diesel-soaked hands can get them. Seems to work.

 

Same here.

 

Why don't you get a FP gauge, You will know if your getting air in the system by looking at the tubing going to it and you can eliminate your lift pump from being good or bad.

 

Did you get a Group 31 battery? The group size is just as or more important than CCA. Mininum required is 1025cca. Chris and Daniel nailed it. Going out and starting it, idling for 20 minutes did not allow the battery to fully charge back up. 2 hours later, no go. The grid heater and starter pulls a ton of juice, typically even driving in stop and go traffic to and from work <30 minutes isn't enough time to fully recharge. Over time, repeated short trips or starts, will put a big strain on your battery and electrical system. Leave em alone til you're ready to go or use the truck.