I must apologize upfront because this is going to be kinda long but this is a weird one and I am in dire need of getting this thing fixed. <br>Back around Nov-Dec 02 I posted here with a starting problem on my 93. My original problem was I went out, hit the starter, engine turned over but would not start. I reached in and pumped the handle on the transfer pump and it started right up. A few days later same thing happened. I ended up changing the transfer pump and all was well for a few weeks. It did it again and I had to take it to Dodge because I didn’t have time to mess with it. They said my fuel filter was on wrong (don’t ask me how) but that was my problem. Not long after that (Feb 03) I drove from Montgomery, AL to Little Rock, AR (440 miles one way) for a school, spent eight weeks there, drove it back around April 2 and a few days after that it did it again. I took it to another place and the guy said my fuel filter was stopped up. Put a new one on, drove it home, guess what…did it again. I called the guy up, he told me how to get it started with starter fluid and I took it back to him. It worked great for the 3 days I left it with him so needless to say he couldn’t find anything wrong with it. We discussed all the “could be’s” and I asked him to put a check valve on the fuel line to help rule out a fuel priming problem. Since then I have driven from Montgomery to Atlanta and back twice without a problem. Today I am leaving Atlanta going to Birmingham and stopped to eat and it happened again. Got it started with the starter fluid and headed on to B’ham. About half way there it shut off on me going down the interstate just long enough to drop about 5 mph and then it picked back up. It did this about 6 times in 30 minutes then ran fine. After I finished up in B’ham I drove it back to Montgomery (about 120 miles) without incident. <br>Here’s some additional info about the truck: 1993, A/C, Automatic, 118K miles. Again I apologize for being long winded and also want to say thanks in advance for any info.<br>

 

Sorry to hear about your string of bad luck. Have you checked the fuel solenoid spade terminals to make sure they are making good contact? This can be found on the backside of the injection pump. It is round and has 2 spade terminals on the top. Alot of times, a bad connection will cause the truck to shut off and then come back because of this.

 

I was thinking the same as Monty about the fuel solenoid acting up. Check all the connections and if you suspect a connector, replace it. If that still doesn't work, maybe the solenoid itself is got some sort of internal short in the windings. Basically the shutdown solenoid is a plunger with a winding in the casing that becomes magnetized when you power up the solenoid. If you do need this part, consult your local Cummins dealer rather than Daimler to save a few $$.<br><br>I have a &quot;lazy&quot; solenoid that if the temps are cold, it will let the engine run on a bit before it shuts down.<br><br>J-eh

 

This may be a stupid question but do you guys think this solenoid could cause the starting problem? Or just the shutting down problem? I know the two problems may be caused by the same thing but they may also be separate problems . This starting problem, because it is so intermitent, is really starting to raise my blood pressure. Thanks again for the info.

 

hlc: The solenoid is there to open or close the fuel supply (laymans terms). If it sticks close-no fuel -no start. If it sticks open- no shutdown. If it is wobbly- shutdown when it should run.(Engine shakes-solenoid gets contact again-engine runs)<br><br>Maybe you can convert to a cable to avoid this solenoid and see if it helps. <br>Or you could just clean and oil it and see if it works again.<br><br>AlpineRAM

 

Try the solenoid connections, mine did this to me in Ga. and scared the crap out of me, jiggled connectors and it fired up, they where replaced as SOON as I got home

 

Like the others said check the electrical connections on the fuel solenoid and by the way it is not recommended to use starting fluids to start our diesel trucks.<br>---<br>Al

 

Well it sounds like everyone is in agreement on the fuel solenoid. I had to leave the truck in AL with someone else to troubleshoot so my dad let me take his '02 for the week back to Atlanta. I will call the guy who is working on it in the morning and share this advice. Oh yeah, I know about the starting fluid and I really hate to do it but I was in a real bind. Definetly not something I like to do. Thanks again.

 

Just got off the phone with the guy who I left my truck with. He said the terminals were loose. You guys are good. If any of you are ever near Montgomery, drop me a line, I'll owe ya a cold beverage or two.

 

Good to hear your problem is solved! BTW: you CAN use starting fluids on the 5.9. ONLY if you have disconnected the grid heaters. I have seen many busses with no grid heaters and an automatic ether start system on the 5.9's. Automatic ether start systems can be found on almost all of your 855 NTC engines. However, continued use of ether over a period of time can cause damage.

 

If this problem happens again before you try and start it again crack open the #1 injector line right at the injector. Have someone turn it over for you and watch to see if there are any small air bubbles coming out with the fuel. If this is the case you have an air leak between the injector pump and the fuel tank. Inspect the lines (input and return lines) all the way back to the tank to look for wear or anything obvious.<br> Hope this helps.<br><br>Mitch