My 95 2500 CTD, AT, would start normally, run normally, but when I shut down and try to restart it will crank but not fire up. Shop repaced transfer pump- ran ok for 4-5 months and now is acting up again. This time it won't start up normal first time- just cranks (short cranking time- 5 or so revoluations per crank) for up to 2-3 min before it will kick over. Hasn't stranded me yet, but I just hate it when I am sitting next to a GM or Ford truck while it cranks over and over without starting. Anyone got a place to start diagnosing this problem. Dealer wants $ to run a diagnostic in their shop. I would like to give them a direction. Thanks

 

Being a 95 12v your way ahead of the game [ electronics ] , easyest with a 2nd person , while you watch have some one turn the key to the on position [ not start ] and see if the fuel solinoid pulls the linkage up and stays [ on my truck ,94, there are 2 relays , 1 pull & 1 hold ] not sure when they went to just 1 , it or they are ontop of the firewall hanging on the edge just offcenter to the drivers side , the pull/on relay has a large power wire -6 or 8 gauge , if it doesn't lift then the points are burned in the lift relay , if it does lift then the next could be the adjustment of linkage [ do a search here for spec. ] also if the rubber boot is bad on the solinoid then dirt can get in there and affect the amount of through , clean out and replace boot ,
Now what about fuel filter ? - glass container and catch some fuel and see if there is any seperation - contamination- then change filter , its to bad you do not already have a fuel gauge , but put one on to check for pressure or crack a injector line to see if theres some presure.
This is getting long so I'll see if this much helps.

 

also check your fuel hoses. Mine deteriorated and were letting fuel drain back and caused hard starting.

 

ANY air leak in fuel system will cause hard start. Fuel lines, line connections, fuel heater, etc. Air leak will let in air so you lose prime but not drop any fuel on the ground. Overflow valve may also cause hard start if it sets fuel pressure at inj. pump too low. As said, fuel shutoff solenoid or relay (replace the whole thing with a PTO cable).

 

Thanks, excellent suggestions! I will post all results I find. Thanks again for a place to start.

 

The problem was a bad relay for the solenoid. Thanks guys for the help.