I took apart my prefilter this weekend and found quite a bit of metal in it I was wondering if this is a sign of things to come (lift pump)
I also discovered that the fuel heater was leaking so its bypassed and im still chasing the hard start issue...

 

The hard start issue is probably from the leak in the heater. Usually the leak is from where the wires enter the heater housing. Not to bad of an expense from your local Cummins outlet/supplier. Some have taken it apart, cleaned the grommet/entry point, siliconed it, and put it all back together it good results. Not sure how long it would last. Use electrical contact cleaner if you try this.

The metal may not be your lift pump. It probably got into your tank from the fuel pumps. I had noticed this myself in the fuel filter, but infidel mentioned that it is probably coming from the fuel station pumps. I only noticed it with one fuel filter change. Have changed the filter many times since, and have not noticed it any more.

 

The fuel heater is on the suction side of the lift pump, impossible for any debris to have come from the lift pump.
The metal came from your tank.

 

yeah thats where its leaking right around the electrical connector.
Got the proper part #s and everything and I'll order them tomorrow.
Still curious about my hard start with the leaky heater bypassed...

 

cartman,
i tried to get a new heater element fro my '97 and was told that this part is no longer available (mine said "Fleetguard" on it, so i called them. they told me it had been made by Texas Instruments?). i think you can buy the whole assembly from cummins, but it's pricey. which part(s) are you ordering and from who?

 

heater element upper quad ring 3834185-s
heater strainer kit 3845400-s
heater element 3907766-s
I'll be buying it from the local bridgeway power / cummins shop

did a search from here...
hope they work!