UPDATE:

on two occasions the truck did not start, but after replacing the fuel filter it starts again. the "long crank" thread talks about how it is the injectors causing the problem, but i do not understand how a new fuel filter can temporarily fix an injector problem...any thoughts on this???

 

no ideas??? someone has to have some knowledge about these common rail engines

 

anyone know of a forum that is more "tech" oriented?

 

My truck is doing the same thing, except that it will only start on either now. Make sure you are not making oil. Injectors are very common on these trucks to go out but dont rule out your cp3. My injectors were ok, found out the lift pump went out and damaged the cp3, truck will still run but will not start without either, once running it runs fine.

 

This hard start issue has been hashed over and over.Try using differant words or phrases in the SEARCH function.Should be TONS of reading and info in archives.

 

i simply want an explanation as to why a fuel filter can be a temporary fix to an injector problem.

 

Understand.I don't know.Good question.It seems to mask the issue for a little while.

 

Have you replaced the LP with an intank unit under warranty or went aftermarket. If you still have the one on the filter housing that may be your problem. Hence, clean fuel filter = more volume of fuel,= CP3 provides enough fuel to start.

 

i just got the truck maybe 6 weeks ago used with 200,000 miles on it, so i really am unsure as to what the truck has/doesnt have.

this is my first diesel, i've always been around gas engines...but from what i understand...the lift pump pushes fuel through the filter and the CP3 (is this the injection pump?) pushes the fuel into the injectors? if so, your logic does make sense.

 

Yes, if you have the LP on the filter housing you will see it on the back of the round canister with a black plastic lid on the drivers rear side of the motor. Take a look.

 

Do you know how to check for codes? If not cycle the key to on without starting it three times. On the third time leave it on. Look at the mileage window on the cluster you may see some numbers flash up on it or DONE if none are present. If you have a code post it on here.

 

yeah, its bolted right to the back of the filter canister...looks just like this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ksid=p3907.m29

its throwing a P0480 code

after a quick google search...
P0480 Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit/Open (Low Speed Fan Relay)

 

P 0480 = cooing fan 1 control circuit. As for the hard start getting better with a new fuel filter, my guess is your lift pump is weak or shot all together. With that amount of miles on your truck I would expect it is gone. Get a pressure gauge and check the pressure from the lift pump, I believe it should should be making about 8 - 10 psi at idle.

 

is there a shrader valve on the lift pump to check fuel pressure? kinda like what a gasser has on the fuel rail...

 

With an on the canister LP it will be around 7-8psi of pressure. It sounds like it is getting weak. An Airdog 100 or Raptor 100 would do the trick. You can look here to see how much it would run you. The only thing is it may or may not be the problem. It still could be an injector issue but this is the starting point I would say.

http://store.dieseltruckresource.com/index.html