This is my first winter owning a diesel so maybe this is normal, but.....

Whenever I try to start my CTD, sometimes it just turns over forever and ever. I stop, let it go through a grid cycle again, then try to start. I might have to do this 2-3 times before she fires up. Oh, i am giving it a little fuel when I do this too.

Other times, it will fire up on the first time. I am thinking maybe the batteries? Also, after it goes through the grid cycle I notice on the voltage guage that it is on the low end of the safe zone, maybe that has something to do with it?

Thanks,

Travis

 

Not normal. this is my first winter with a diesel too, but mine still fires up fine after sitting all night with the temp in the low teens. It does idle a little rough ar first, but still fires up.

George

 

Likely the fuel shut-off selonoid, do a search on it. Don't keep cranking - starters are $$$!

Mine needs about 1/2" of pedal and lights right off, every time for the past five years.

 

If you voltage is staying down, you likely need batteries. Most parts stores will test them free. Other possibility is the starter contacts. It should start right up after the wait to start light goes out.

 

No plug, no pedal, fires right up, lopes a bit then off I go!

I doubt its your batteries...

Wondering if your transfer pump is going south?

Have you checked your FP when it won't start?

Get a bad batch of diesel?

 

Another thing, there are two heat grids, maybe one of them isn't working.

 

The rubber lines from the engine to the top of the bell housing are probably leaking allowing air in the system.
Replace them.
They can let air in but not leak fuel out when the get old.

 

So i tried starting the truck today after the usual 2-3 attempts and while I was idling I smelt something burning...Popped the hood up and saw that one of the clamps on the battery terminals cracked and was ate up with corrosion, worse yet, it caught the insulation on top of the hood on fire. So I think I found my problem....