about a month or two ago my truck started to take longer to crank to start, i thought it was my batteries so i replaced them with some bigger batteries and tried it, and it seemed to start a little bit better.

but it still takes about 5-6 seconds of cranking to start, but if you hold your foot on the throttle not much but a little it starts imediatly.

i am mechaniclly inclined, i was just wondering what i should start looking at?

 

turn your idle up to about 800 it will fire right up

 

it idles inbetween 800-900. i have also noticed a drop in performance not much, but a big drop in black smoke, but it seems to have close to the same power.

maybe some specs on the truck would help.

1997 dodge ram 2500 5 speed, 322k, #10 fuel plate and wastgate sensor,K&N cold air intake, 4 inch turbo back straight pipe exhaust.

even after you crank on it normally it idles inbetween 800-900, could it be my fuel pump isnt pumping or the fuel might be bleeding back to the tank?

 

i have the same problem, i just ignor that my truck cranks way longer than usual. im getting a new fuel pump and hopefully it solves this and other problems

 

Unless you want to throw parts at it start by checking the fuel pressure.
Instructions> http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94...-12-valve.html

 

Check your start solenoid and the relay which drives it. I just had a similiar problem and it was the relay contacts going bad. After you try to crank it, leave the key in the run position and see if the start solenoid is in the pulled up position. If it isn't; pull it up, if it sticks try cranking again and it should start with the problem either the relay or the solenoid. Good luck, cd