I have a 2004 no mods 187,000 miles, I changed the fuel filter last Sunday and Monday it started with intermittent long cranking times. It does not seem to be temperature related as it long cranked while in the 70s. I took the fuel filter back out and everything looks fine, The fuel pump was changed under warranty and is now in the tank. Can this be diagnosed if the long crank time is not present? After reading post after post on this and other forums it seems just about everyone with this problem winds up changing the injectors to finally fix the problem. I'm thinking of doing just that, with the help of my son. This is a welding rig and my livelihood so I need to get it fixed asap. I live in south jersey and can't locate anyone that can diagnose the problem anytime soon. Just looking for any thoughts or advice on this.

Thank You
Walt

 

When my truck started long cranking and the RPM's would lag and stick when reeved up. Then one day my #6 fuel line cracked. So while in the shop I had them replace all the injectors. I had them use Bosch OEM replacements, and the long cranking a lagging stopped.But I went from 18 mpg to 15 mpg in town and I never got above 2K RPM's either. And nobody can tell me why the milage fell, and there are no codes either so becareful

 

The lift pump can be checked for volume be opening the filter drain and placing a container under the drain line. Bump the starter and the pump will run for about 25 seconds. You should get about 2 qts if the pump is fine.

The long starts are probably the rail pressure is not getting high enough so that the computer will fire the injectors. Pressure can leak off because an injector(s) is leaking, the connecting tubes are leaking or the rail pressure relief valve is leaking. You could recheck the torque on the connecting tubes. Most likely one or more injectors are leaking.

 

Since I started this thread I ordered a new Dodge. My truck has been mostly sitting, I go out and start it every couple of days. It's been getting progressively harder to start. Now it won't start at all. Also when I turn the key to wait for the light to go out I hear clicking under the hood & the gauges start getting erratic & dash lights are blinking. Any Ideas I just want to get it fixed so I can sell it with the peace of mind that I'm not selling someone my headache.

 

Sounds like a bad ground, battery terminals dirty, or just plan out bad batteries.

 

crossover tubes (tubes that the injector lines connect to that transfer fuel into the injector) can be loose too. torque them. tq is only like 38ftlbs so don't over torque them.

 

I will give these a shot in the morning. Thanks for giving me something to try before I have to call a tow truck.

 

Cleaning all the connections so far as stopped the the clicking sound, blinking lights & gauges. The crossover tube are all tight. I put a jug under drain, the fuel pump is pumping good. But it still wont start!

 

If you have an injector issue you can plug the block heater in and it will start after it warms up a little.

 

Went out and plugged it in as soon as I read your post. Its really not that cold here but its worth a shot even if it just saves me the tow bill. I will try it in the morning. Thank you all for the replies.

 

I'm having similar issue. Long cranking and no start if cold, like below 50. Mine will start if plugged in. I think I'm injector shopping.
I found reman bosch from Bosch for 332 each.

 

FYI, it's not truck in my sig. It's my new one, 03 dually 6spd.

 

I had it plugged in all night and it still would not start. So I called AAA and they towed me to a shop. Roughstock I found reman injectors for $220.00 each.

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I lost 3-4mpg and what feels like 20-30hp with my reman bosch sticks. However this is going by the overhead display, and I'm not sure how it is calculated. But, Cummins dealers can get you decent deal, buy 5 and get 1 free.

 

Just to let everyone know it was Injectors. The shop I had it towed to actually bought it to use as there parts and service truck. Thanks for everyones help.