The engine in my 1997 Dodge 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel with Bank Power Pack has frequently started dying after cold startup. The truck starts normally, I let it run for a couple minutes, but when I pull it into drive and step on the throttle it dies. It may do this once, or several times, then runs perfect. I don't know if it is normal, but have noticed that after cold startup that every 15 seconds the ammeter shows a draw on the charging system that lasts 2 seconds. After warmup this does not occur. However, during one of the episodes when it died several times the ammeter showed a steady power draw. Any idea of the problem?

 

The intermitten amp draw is from the grid/intake heaters. This is normal and lasts for a few minutes at least depending on outside temp. Stalling???

 

More than likely your idle is to low and increasing it will help it idle when it is cold outside. Do a search to find instructions on increasing your idle speed. Welcome to this sight .... it is great!!


justmy.002

 

Welcome to DieselTruckResource (DTR) nukeworker, were glad to have you here.

Sound like it could just be something as simple as your idle being too low.
Also, there is a fuel return line that takes return fuel from the injection pump back to the tank. This is a rubber line that sneaks its way behing the block and is subject to cracks.
Just a couple ideas to check out.

The voltage draw is your heater grids working. This is normal for cold (outside) temps.

Rich

 

Should I expect to see a fuel leak if the return line is cracked? If the line is cracked is there a vacuum leak? The odd thing is the problem only occurs at cold startup.

 

If the leak is bad enough, yes, you will see a diesel fuel leak.
However, it is my understanding that it really doesnt take much more than a small crack from dry rott to cause problems.
With such a small crack in the return line, you may notice the fuel leak by sight.
Ive replaced my return line and found it cracked, but never bad enough to cause a leak.

I'll have to defer to more experienced members to provide you a better answer.

Rich