I have recently had problems with my truck having hard starts in the mornings. After the first startup it will start with no problems. I initially thought it was an LP problem but took the filter out and turned the key and fuel was flowing properly. This morning it wouldn't crank at all and I took it to Garmons in McDonough, GA. Jeff diagnosed it as an injector that was very slightly damaged. He told me that until I repair it to spray a small amount of starting fluid in the mornings and it should be fine.

What are my options with injectors? He's going to pull all of them to find the bad one but he also said that when one goes it's typical for others to follow. Should I stick with stock? If I went to higher performance units I would only do 50 hp or so since I have a stock turbo. It just seems like now would be the time to do it since they'll all be out. I'm trying not to break the bank but I also don't want to have other issues down the road. Aren't stock units around $400 each?

 

Somebody please correct me if I am wrong buy I thought starting fluid (AKA Ether) was a very bad idea because of the grid heaters lighting it off? Am I wrong?

I am pretty sure that would be a VERY bad idea...

 

I have the same problem with my ,03 cummins ,cold start every morning is hard ,sometimes it start right up ,next day a little colder ,no start
I use ether when its not starting,i no its bad but i need it to run.
I checked a lot of things ,ABC for yew told me to check the Diesel filter housing ,that needs to be warmed up same as the grid heater.
I could not felt heat this morning,when glowing.
I,m going to try it again tomorrow,and maybe check the electical system for a broken fuse ??
I feel this hard cold start is going to end up with new /aftermarket injectors also, just like yours.

sterling

 

You can use starting fluid in a pinch...but,

You must wait for the grid heaters to stop cycling...I would wait another couple of seconds after the wait till start light goes out.

Only spray a little into the intake as the motor is cranked over...just mist it.

 

I know the problems with the ether and the possibility of blowing up my intake if I spray it while the grid heater is on. Otherwise it justs helps the motor start initially and I don't have to use it again until the next morning.

Sterling - The truck runs fine and I haven't even noticed a decrease in fuel economy but can now hear a very slight tick when its running. The problem has increased gradually over the past month or so and this morning was the first time it wouldn't crank. At first I didn't think too much of it and pushed it off as the cold weather but I didn't have that option today. It sounds like yours is doing the exact same as mine is. I'm hoping that I can find an alternative to my stockers while I have to pull the injectors that won't cost me an arm and a leg.