so here I am again.


i have added howes, I have changed the fuel filter, I have two brand new batteries. the truck still has cold start issues. it was 1 degrees out today, the truck has been sitting for maybe 12 hours, I just finished about 340 miles and started with half a tank, so I might have a couple gallons left in there. went to go crank it, and it wont start. it almost sounds like the batteries are t getting it enough juice, but they are brand new....SO, I have yet to pull injectors and have them checked, I am in denial about those. I am hoping it is something a little cheaper (to add to that, how much do new injectors cost, no high performance?). maybe grid heaters? when I turn the key and wait for the light to go out, should I be hearing a noise? because it is perfectly quiet, and then I hear a click, and the light goes out. but it wont start. I have tried cycling the grid heaters as well. is there an easy way to test them?

thanks again for help in advance.

 

I hear a light click and the heater light going out. Turn on one of your interior dome lights or headlights when trying to start. The grid heaters should cause some dimming while those heaters turn off and on. What about your started seems like there was some write-ups on the starter, I can't rember if it was the bearings or the solenoid.... sorry I do not have more.

 

been researching this for a few days now. Sounds like its the injector fuel return valve seeping or injector nozzles leaking. From what I hear, if t nozzles, looking at 500-900 to replace, if its entire injectors, looking at 2400 to replace.

 

ian515,

I'm 120 miles north of Des Moines, IA and I have yet to have any starting problems due to the cool temps we are at. I've started my truck at below zero temps and not had a problem doing so even when it was not plugged in. Have you looked to see if your grid heater is working? If not that alone will give you hard starting problems at 1 degree! I see you have some Howe's in your tank but have you bought any winter fuel just to be safe? Also have you tried to setting your predator/puck stack back to stock to see if that helps with your starting problems.

 

thats a good idea, I forgot to try the predator. thanks. as far as grid heaters I am starting to rule them out, the lights dim and voltage goes up and down when I first start it up, so I am assuming it works.

 

ian, when you changed the fuel filter, did the prob go away for a few days? if so, jump right to cascade valve and fuel injector posts...

if not, start by testing lift pump flow.

 

if memory serves, the problem did go away, so you are saying I should be looking more closely into the injectors? I am not under warrenty, so luckily I dont have to deal with a dodge dealer, but I am still not looking forward to this.
I am assuming most shops that can handle diesel engines can pull and test the injectors right? average cost for something like that? the worst part is I am stuck in omaha right now, and need my truck everymorning, but I have no place to plug in, so I have to make sure it stays warm (I have been starting it every 5 to 6 hours) which has been cutting into my sleep

 

If you are in Omaha tomorrow (and can get it started), go out to Diesel Specialties on 133rd and B St. Ask for Randy. They are awesome. They might be able to help you.

Are you getting any diesel fuel smell under the hood? I'm just going to throw some ideas out there, but it may be the rail pressure relief valve or some other issue creating a drop in rail pressure, like leaking injectors. I'm no expert, but I have read a few threads about this.

I've had leaky CP3's on 2 trucks, but never any issues starting them, so I don't think that is it. It could be the lift pump, but most guys with lift pump issues can get them started no problem, they just won't run well or at all when you hit the accelerator.

 

sweet, thanks for that man. I am here for the next few days and tomorrow I think I have some free time, so I think I will do that.

thanks again.

 

when i turn my key on in my 2004.5 cummins the grid heater light come son and i can ghear a noise (lift pump) or something running for like 5-10 seconds. any1 else hear this? I think its normal

 

ian, just be like the other 50 people here with your problem and spray either into the air box when you need to start it. I'm not under warranty either and the best deals I've seen are 2300 on ebay for new injectors or 1800 from F1 for rebuilt performance injectors.
The 800 ones on ebay are just for the nozzles.

 

Winter fuel , just to not confuse anyone that might not know, he's talking about #1 or blended Diesel. winter fuel sounds like something associated with "winter air" for the tire's, or "blinker fluid". Also I know some people up near me that still run #2 all winter, they just add some type of anti-gel like howes or that power service stuff. They say they have never gelled up (don't know if it's true or not), and we can get temps from -30*f or even colder up here quite often.

 

Mixing #1 and #2 diesel is old school I gave that mixed diesel up and use nothing all winter but Arctic diesel from Flint Hills Resources refinery in MN. http://www.premiumdiesel.com/product/arctic.aspx

 

DO NOT USE ETHER on your truck. It can be ignited by the preheater and blow the intake off the engine injuring you and your truck.

 

so, I am taking the truck in today to get looked over. if they do come back and tell me that it's the injectors, is that something I can change on my own. especiall if they tell me which injectors in particular?