I posted this on the help forum, but thought I would put it here also



My 2003 is giving me fits when the temp drops outside. It has always been a little slow to start, but now will not start when temp below 40. Grid heater is working good(burnt my hand on manifold after cycling a few times). Lift pump sounds strong. Truck runs well after start. The fuel heater has 11 volts to it. I cannot tell if it is getting warm, but should it matter at 40deg? The fuel does not gel until lower. Could it be the fuel control actuator not opening properly. I have replaced the lift pump with new one from cummins last spring. I can plug it in and let it warm up for 10 minutes and it starts fine. Fuel filters were replaced right off the bat. Old one looked clean.


Is there a thermostat on the fuel heater? I see the connection below the heater that I believe is the water in fuel.
As a side note could overdue valve adjustments make it harder to start?

To summarize:
Is the Fuel acuator possibly the problem?
Does the fuel heater have a thermostat? If so where is it?
Would valve adjustments make a difference?

Thanks

 

I had the same problems on my 05 and it was injector 4,5,6 were toast. Had them replaced and then worked fine... But just before I traded it in it was getting hard to start again.. But that was probably from Crazy Larry... But the injectors can go out on a un-modded truck also...

Just my experience..

Shane

 

Mine was doing the same thing, I was told it was the injectors so i pulled them out to be tested and all was fine. I put them back in with new oring ans shims and the cold start has gone away. Maybe this might work for you.

 

Had same problem Last year under 40 degrees. They changed one of the injectors, # 3. Now other day did same thing. They are going to test injectors again. I tell you I getting fed up with this. Don't under stand how they can go at 30,000. They work fine when above 40 or plug in truck. This is my second cummins and also have three powerstrokes and starting to lean on powerstrokes for more dependabilty.