12v hard starting
 

Hey everyone my 96 cummins does only cranks while starting unless I give it a little throttle while it is cranking, once it starts it runs and idles fine with no problems. Is there something that needs to be adjusted or fixed for it to start without giving it any throtle?

With some 12Vs you have to give it just a little pedal to start.

What does it idle at while in gear? It should be close to 800 rpm....sounds like your idle may be a bit low. Do you know how to adjust it?

There is a great deal of general info here:

http://www.dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm

Also, the idle adjustment info is here:

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/adj...d_Gen-Idle.htm

BTW, WELCOME to DTR...the people here are an awesome resource and always willing to help.

If i let my truck sit for more than 3 days, it stumbles a little on warmup and alittle white smoke, but thats how a compression engine usually works.

Could also be a small amount of air getting into your fuel system from the rubber fuel lines.

Have you ever replaced the fuel lines?

I want to replace mine pretty soon when I do a exhaust.

My idle speed is a tad slow so I just barely tap on the pedal, no more than it takes to make the petal start to resist against my foot, and it fires up great every time. Sounds like you've got the same problem as me.

It could also be your fuel shutoff selonoid is starting to act up - when it fails it simply won't shutdown with the key. In the meantime your truck will exibit hard starting unless you give it 1/2" of pedal travel. I've driven mine this way for 6 years with no issues.

My 96 required some throttle to start til I followed adjustment directions I have it set a little high around 1000 rpm but now it starts like a first gen. barely touch the Key and its runnin'[guitar]

Thanks everyone for the help I think I am gonna check the fuel shutoff selonoid because one time it didn't want to shut off with the key but it hasn't done that since so it probably is that selonoid. Also if the selenoid dosn't work right will it cause any damage or just not shut off.

The injection pump on the 94 through early 98 12V motor is designed to be at full throttle during starting, that is how the pump is placed in the excess fuel starting position. Many people have had their truck start great for years, only to suddenly have a problem, and then have a problem with the fact that this is the proper way to start them.

The solenoids rarely fail, unless current is continuously applied to the start circuit.

My truck did this. Replacing the fuel shut off solenoid relay fixed it. I would suggest finding an appropriate one (50A, I believe), online (http://www.waytekwire.com/? I have never used them, but they seem to have good prices). The Dodge dealer took me for $100. But it works.