For the past few weeks, every so often the truck cranks but wont start. I have to get out and move the fuel shut off silenoid up and down and it will start. well it is doing it everytime now and I have noticed that my throttle will not travel to the full position now. I did notice that the boot underneath is gone so I am thinking a good cleaning may help it any ideas?

 

thanks john, youve been a big help

 

NO, NO, NO!!!

Don't replace the solenoid, it's the most needlessly replaced item on a 12 valve engine and expendsive to boot. Usually they are replaced by folks who are just throwing parts at a problem. The solenoid is a simple heavy duty unit that rarely fails. About the only time one fails is if the starter sticks on charging the lift up coil which overheats the solenoid. You'll know it if it ever happens, smells like something burning.
Sometimes the boot will fall apart allowing crud to build up, cleaning is all it takes. I make my own replacement boots out of a short section of bicycle inner tube and a couple of cable ties, lasts longer than the $30 ones Cummins sells and works just as well.


Most often the problem is the solenoid relay or the just the blue wire from the battery is corroded. Get a new relay from www.fostertruck.com or a new blue wire (fusible link) from the auto parts.

 

WOW! I will try that, the silenoid looks pretty easy to take off and on, thanks a ton for all the info guys.

 

Try replacing the relay first!!

I lived with the same problem you have for almost a year!!!! Until one day I bought the relay from fostertruck.com. Cured the problem in about 1 minute.


Do the relay man!!