This has probably been covered before but i cant find any searching, Ok, my problem.. 1997 12 valve cummins ,auto trans, with 266K miles on the motor. Havet had it do it to me when the motor is cold, only warm, i crank it over then it starts up and idles up to 1100 rpm then dies, sometimes i can give it a little throttle and then it starts right up on the second try, but sometimes wont start at all. ill wait a few minutes then it will start. I just replaced the fuel filter, and it is the same, Anyone know what the problem is here? Thanks, Kodi

 

Do a search for putting a fuel pressure gauge on a 12v , not sure what the book says .
I suspect the lift pump and the flow valve , just did mine , the symptoms were a little differant , then possible fuel lines or hoses , make a adapter to a 2nd tank fill cap for putting 2-3 lbs of air pressure into the tank , then follow all through the fuel system to look for leaks .
Test and just put in what you need .

 

From http://www.dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm

Something you might check for your low power problems is the P7100 FIP overflow valve. The Bosch P-type inline fuel injection pump is very sensitive to supply pressure variations. If this pressure is low or pulsating excessively, the following symptoms can occur:

Low RPM miss / instability
Hard starting
Engine dies at idle (especially when hot)
LOW POWER
Fuel Filter cracking

You may not get all these symptoms, maybe just 1 or 2. I have the Bosch technical repair bulletin which describes all the symptoms, testing and repair of the overflow valve. The factory service manual also has a section on the Cummins fuel system with the location and replacement of the overflow valve, a simple and inexpensive procedure. Your local Cummins dealer is probably your best bet for testing and repair of your low power complaint.

 

Unless you have access to a fuel pressure gauge setup just replace the overflow valve
You won't find a better price than here

Precision Diesel Injection and Turbo Inc.
Marty Tompkins
888-734-7349
$35 + $7 shipping and handling.

 

Thanks for the help so far guys, Kodi

 

great info!

 

I know when I went to Iraq my truck didn't start back when I got home. One of my cousins said that it had to do with some type of vapor lock. It won't push the fuel to the pump. It almost sounds like your fuel lines might have a crack in them and air is getting inside. I am not a mechanic, but that might help a little a hope. Best of luck. Hope you get it fixed.