1999blackcloud

My Brother has a 1997 12v and its having problems starting sometime. Its not the cold weather becuase it also does it when its hot out. Someone told him it could be that his glow plugs were bad. I was just wondering if that could be ture and if so how do i go about changing the glow plugs?

Shovelhead

Cummins does not use glow plugs.
We have a grid heater that sits in the intake tubing just ahead of the intake manifold and is relay controled and electrically heated.

1999blackcloud

Thanks i didnt know that. Im new to diesels but would love to learn all i can about them. Do you think it could be the grid heater gone bad or could it just be the timing? The guy he bought the truck from has done alot of work to it and someone said it could be the timing? All it does is turn over for 10 minutes b4 it starts and when it does he has to keep his foot on the gas to keep it running

FlaCracker

Not the grid heater, this would only affect you below 50-55 degrees outside.

Sounds like could be one of the following:
1 - Fuel shutoff solenoid not adjusted correctly.
2 - Fuel leak in either your send/return fuel lines.
3 - bad fuel overflow valve
4 - bad lift pump.

I would start out by hooking up a fuel pressure gauge at the fuel canister, on the input side, coming from lift pump, and see what your fuel pressure reading is. Should be seeing around 20-25 psi.

1999blackcloud

Thanks! I'll try it when he gets home. We did find a fuel leak on the send line and we replaced it and was hoping that would've fixed the problem but it didn't. I'll hook the fuel pressure gauge up and let ya know how it goes. Thanks for all the help.

97DodgeRam

If the timing is high, it will cause the truck to be harder to start.

MATTIEBOB

Check The Idle Speed. If Its Around 500 Rpms It Needs To Be Around750 With The Ac On. This Will Cause It To Start And Die A Couple Times Before It Will Actually Stay Running. Ive Ahad This Problem With A 97 And A 96

patdaly

Also, does it start right up with about 1/8th throttle?

Try giving it a little pedal while starting and let us know how it starts.

1999blackcloud

Sometimes it will idel around 500 and sounds like its about to die but as soon as i give it throttle its good to go. Giving it throttle helps sometimes to get it started. Once i give it some throttle it'll run fine till i shut it off and then it does the same thing over again.

BigErksG2

Sounds like air in the fuel line since it does it when warm as well

patdaly

Get your idle speed set correctly first. Back of the IP is the idle screw, takes a 10 MM wrench to crack the nut and adjust. Helps if you are a contortionist.

MATTIEBOB

set the idle right and it will be fine, that sounds just like the 96 and 97 i fixed. there are some post on here that will help you adjust it. just search for 12 valve idle adjustment

moparjeremy

let me know what you find out because im tired if getting stuck in the middle of town with heavy loads