I have a 03 that has always started fine in cold weather. It has 137,000 miles. Yesterday it was 0* F. and it would not start. I plunged in the block heater and after about 1 hr. it started. This morning it is 3* F. and I had to to try to start it twice and it started on the second try. This is unusual for this truck. Other than that it runs great. It is all stock except a Raptor 100 fuel pump. I have noticed in the past few years that in general the engine needs to turn over a couple more time to start than before. Also I think I have a throttle position sensor problem, which has been going on for a few years. The rpm.s at idle are 1000 instead of 800.
Any thoughts about what might be going on are appreciated.
I also have a 04.5 with 180,000 miles and it sits next to the 03 over night. It cold starts with no problem.

 

There are no fault codes showing either. Could it possibly be a case of water in the fuel?

 

I really hope some one can offer some ideas about what is wrong with my truck. Some thing is not like it was a week ago. This morning it is 22*f. and the truck started ,but I had to let it turn over for about 5 seconds. This truck used to fire up in one second. Please offer some advice. Thanks

 

Sounds like an issue that I observed a few years ago. Have the batteries load tested and clean the terminals, cable ends and all grounds. If one fails or is weak, replace both batteries. Replace the canister fuel filter with a Baldwin Pf7977. Also try a fuel system additive such as Redline Diesel fuel Catalyst which can be purchased at Pep Boys.

This could be related to one or more injectors in the beginning stages of failure, but try the simple things first.

 

Thanks for the ideas. The engine cranks over just fine. Could that still be a problem?

 

Yes! A weak battery (ies) can play a role in this issue.

 

Another thing that can contribute or cause a no start/ hard start issue are the injector connector tubes. Leakage, even the slightest weep here is a common problem which causes hard start and no-start symptoms. Torque on the connector tube nut is VERY critical and must be 37 ft-lbs. as of the last time I performed this procedure. There is an updated torque value which has been approved but I used the 37 value.

 

If the injector lines have even a small leak I assume that fuel is visible around the line? Where is a good place to get a load test on my batteries?

Something that i did not mention is that the first day I experienced the issue I tried to drain the water trap at the fuel filter canister and nothing came out. Frozen water. A day or so before I got fuel at a station I have never been to before. I bought some power service additive today. I am still hoping that this is just a bad fuel issue.

 

No the fuel will not be visible in certain cases. Have the batteries load tested at an auto parts retailer- Pep Boys, Auto. Zone etc.

This! Water in the fuel can wreak havoc on the injectors in no time. If you have the receipt, I strongly recommend you contact the fuel station in regards to the water in their fuel storage tank. It sounds like you picked up a tank of fuel that was contaminated with enough water to cause the issue, which is not good for the common rail injection system. You should not hope that this is just a bad fuel issue and let it pass by using an additive. I recommend you take a sample from the fuel canister in a clean clear bottle and see how much water is present. It sounds like a large quantity given that it was frozen. Then contact the fuel station to inform them that it's probable they have a contaminated tank and you are experiencing problems with the vehicle. This may require draining your fuel tank and the replacement of injectors as well as other fuel system related parts.

 

I have to agree. It does sound like a water in fuel problem. Also, If you still have a stock lift pump, make sure you can hear it cycling.











2003 Dodge 2500 non-molested

 

he has a pos raptor. if you can hear the pump the cp3 can pull through it. the batteries is not the problem either. neither is water in fuel. in looking at your sig I do not see a 2 micron filter. my bet is that the injectors are failing. the ecm will not let the engine start if rail pressure is below 3,500 psi. you will need to do a leak down test to confirm injector wear. get a rail pressure gauge and watch as you crank and I think you will see it start just as it reaches 3,500 psi. several things, carry a short piece of rubber hose with you so when the raptor pump fails you can bypass it and continue on. before you change the injectors out you need to add a filter, pm me on how to make one for $90. replace the raptor with a brushless pump like the fuelab, also carter division of federal signal just came out with one. I use a German made one but cant remember name.

 

I thought the raptors were good pumps. I have noticed that in the past few months it makes more noise than it used to. Is this a sign of something? I use the fuel filter from cummins that is recommended by them. Its not a 2 mic. though. You guys don't think it is good enough?

 

The Raptor pumps are not what they once were according to many,however; I have bot had any trouble out of my pump. Like I mentioned before you want to use the Baldwin Pf7977 5 um filter for the best. The fleet guard is not as efficient. The Baldwin is the best you can currently get for the canister at this time. It's really time to contact the fuel station and get the ball rolling with the water in fuel issue.

 

I just drained the fuel filter canister and was only able to get about 1" of fuel in peanut butter jar before the fuel stopped coming out. Is that normal? I didn't have the key on or truck running when I did it. I cant see any separation of water in the little amount of fuel that is in the jar. The truck was not plunged in and it wont start?

 

Cycle the key to the on position and let the pump fill the canister and open the yellow canister drain. Try to get more fuel in the jar.