Hey guys, I bought an 03 Cummins HO about a month and a half ago, over my vacation it developed a very long crank. I replaced the fuel filter which was filthy and it improved some; however, it still seems to crank quite a while before firing. I also get black smoke from the exhaust pipe under acceleration which I didn't think was supposed to happen on a bone stock truck? Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Nick

 

my thoughts are leaning to injector problems sounds like one or more are going out

 

There could be a possibility it's a injector pump that has been subject to weak fuel pressure from the lift pump. Mine is an 03 with about 114KM'S and my second factory lift pump just quit making enough pressure. Dodge sucks in this regard. Turned out to be a block screen in the little bucket at the pumps intake, yet again another stupid design. Mine is gone, bought a FASS system.
Do yourself a favour and buy a fuel pressure gauge, will save you down the road. Injector pumps are big money.

 

Thanks guys, so assuming it is a failing injector pump, I have around 92,600 on the truck. Being that I bought it used does Cummins warranty transfer automatically? If so what do I need to tell the dealer to get them to replace it?
Thanks again,
Nick

 

I have a 03 also, found out from dealer that there is a flash for long cranking. Flash number is 12365051AD, it fixed my problem. Not saying this will fix yours, but it can't hurt. A cheap place to start, as it cost me less than $60cdn.

 

Hey guys,
This may seem like a silly question but what do you consider long crank time. I mean none of the common rails that I know start like my 98.5. That truck doesn't make a half revolution and she's a running. My 03 turns over about a sec. or two before it starts (maybe 2 or 3 revolutions)a little longer then my 05 but not much.
Topper

 

maybe a new battery might help?
lol my moms bimmer was cranking hard until we replaced the battery and its fine
supposed to replace them every2-3 years

 

There is no crank time on my 03. After the grid light goes out, I turn the key and immediatly turn loose of it. Thought that was the way all diesels were. Must be lucky. Hope nothings changed when I get it back from the shop (turbo getting replaced).

 

Well, I haven't timed it yet, I'll try to though soon. I've been a diesel owner/driver for years and years and it gets to the point I want to let off the key sometimes because I don't think it'll go at all. I don't think it's weak batteries although I'll check them at work tomorrow. It varies a ton in how long it cranks but it's never a short crank, crank, start. It seems like 5 or more revolutions most of the time.
Thanks guys,
Nick

 

Well the best crank time is over 3 seconds, the worst is long enough people look and it takes 2 tries sometimes. Probably around 20 seconds total.
Nick