I have a 1998 24V Cummins Dodge 2500. (100,000mi.) Started getting hard to start hot or cold - crank for 10-30 seconds - once started it runs perferct. - Changed fuel filter - same. Got a mechanic involved & checked lift pump - it was very low P.S.I. - new lift pump was put in - same thing. What I read & what he told me it sounds like fuel pump. Talked with a diesel shop & they agreed - new bosch fuel pump was just installed - same thing!!!! hard to start & then runs perfect. Any help would be very much appreciated!!!!!!!!! I'm DESPARATE. Thanks Dave

 

If it cranks over but does not start you could be loosing the prime on the fuel system after it sits. Just went through the same thing on mine after an injector replacement. Ended up being a cut o-ring on one of the injectors.

 

Thanks cej will have to check.

 

having a slow crank will also cause a hard start, i went through the same thing, i also thought it was a cut injector o-ring since i had swapped injectors recently, but it ended up being my starter, it was causing a hard start because it was going out and not letting the motor turn over the way it should.

 

Got 2 fairly new 1000cca batteries - turns over like crazy. Thanks anyway.

 

Getting back to the air in the fuel lines, have you checked all the lines from the tank to the lp? I have seen many posts about rusted fuel lines causing problems along the frame rails of the truck. I live in a dry environment so I have not experienced it with mine. I have been the victim of fuel leaks around my heater and that caused hard starts but did not affect engine performance...

 

It's almost got to be air getting into the lines. You don't have to have fuel leaking out to let air in. Do you have gauges for fuel pressure? If so do you have an isolator?

 

Found an air leak on a return line & lift pump was done. Thanks for replys Dave