03 starting problems

[BGoodale]

I'm still trying to help my nephew with his 03 ctd. It has 158,000 miles on it and he bought it used. It takes a bit of cranking to get it to start and when on an incline it will not start until he can get it to level ground. Sometimes he let it sit for awhile and then will start. I told him it sounds like injectors except the incline thing makes me question it. Any help would be appreciated. Brett

 

[Alan Reagan]

Sounds like the fuel return line may have a leak in it and you are losing prime. Check all of your rubber fuel lines for weeping. Also, check the filter and make sure it is snug. It sounds like you are losing prime somewhere, epecially if it is doing it on an incline.



Also, does that have the electric lift pump on the side of the engine? If so, that my be your problem if the fuel lines are OK. Those pumps are bad about wearing the bottom plate in the pump and not providing adequate pressure.

 

[cerberusiam]

Nose up or nose down on an incline, or doesn't matter?



Could be the LP if its th eOE one on the filter housing, or, possibly the fuel pickup has a leak in the draw tube.

 

[BGoodale]

Thanks guys for your help. Fuel pump is in the tank. And it doesn't seem to matter on incline so nose up or down. So are you eliminating the injectors as a possible cause? Is 158k alot for the original ones? It doesn't smoke and runs fine after you get it started. I hate to have him spend the money on new injectors and that not the problem. Thanks, Brett

 

[cerberusiam]

Depends on how it starts when level. If it starts without issues level and not on an incline, its a fuel supply issue to the CP-3. Start making sure the LP is pressurizing to the CP-3 by installing a gauge there.



You may have 2 issues here but need to concentrate on1 or you will just get lost.