what do you tap into to check your fuel pressure, or even setup a fuel pressure gauge?

and heres a dumb question. What can I use to check the fuel pressure without setting up a gauge. Like is there something I can use from the auto parts store? I was reading and I was thinking my fuel pressure might having something to do with my slow cranking lately

 

To check fuel pressure, most of us drill out the banjo bolt at the inlet to the IP and tap it. It is pretty easy to do if you drill down through it. Fuel pressure is like any pressure so any pressure gauge would work as long as it doesn't have parts that will be eaten by the diesel.

Low fuel pressure will not cause slow cranking but it can cause extended cranking/slow starting. Slow cranking is a function of either the force turning over the engine being too small or the force resisting the engine turning over being too large. Generally, there is a problem with the batteries, connections, cables, or starter if the truck cranks slowly.

 

Read this Checking 12 Valve Fuel Pressure

 

alright thanks, ill give this a try.

its weird, sometimes it will crank fast but then sometimes it will be slow...and its more of an extended crank on both of them, unless I give it a little gas
The previous owner said he had new contacts put in not to long ago. how long do those usually last?

 

It all depends on how much you start it and how long it has to crank.

Some people drive 500 miles between each start others 500 feet.