Engine wants to quit running after cold start

[psterkowitz]

My 2003 w/six speed trans, H/O 3500, wants to quit running after starting in morning. It would quit but then the computer must call for bringing the idle up and a cloud of white smoke comes out of exhaust. After about 5-7 minutes it seems to run OK. Problem seems to have gotten worse over last couple of weeks. Would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[timjones]

lift pump?

 

[MCornwell]

Have you changed the fuel filter lately?



Have you checked for codes? Turn key all the way on then off



three times ending with it in the run position but dont start the



truck. codes will be displayed one at a time ending with DONE.



Sounds like it might be a sensor...



detail man detail



-Mitch

 

[psterkowitz]

No Codes appeared when I went thru the procedure. Fuel Filter was changed in December about 5k miles ago. Is testing sensors a dealer job?

 

[DMyran]

Mine did something similar the two mornings before I took it into the dealer and it was the high pressure pump.



Do you have a slight surging at idle just barely noticeable on the tach but kind of like vroom-vroom-vroom. If you do it sounds exactly like what mine was doing when they replaced the high pressure fuel pump and have had no problems since.



Just my two cents. Take it for what it is worth.



Dane

 

[psterkowitz]

Yes, I do notice that slight surging at idle. I brang the truck into the dealer and asked him to check out the high pressure pump.

Should hear back Wed am.

 

[psterkowitz]

The dealer is going to change the high pressure fuel pump on Friday. Hopefully that is it.

How does the dealer test the high pressure fuel pump to tell if it is bad, or is it trial and error?

 

[MCornwell]

Well... if they are gonna replace the pump chances are they have



already checked it, or the pump is obviously bad.



Kinda expensive for DC to just throw a CP3 at a truck to see if



thats the problem.



The pressure sensor inside the pump is what goes bad, and this



causes the RPM fluctuations ETC, because of the faulty sensor



giving the signal to raise and lower rail press.



The whole pump is replaced when this little sensor goes



out.



I would'nt want my pump taken apart by grimy hands just to



have a new sensor installed anyway.



-Mitch

 

[rbattelle]

Wow! Another CP3 replacement! Let us know how it all turns out.

 

[psterkowitz]

Sure enough, it was the high pressure fuel pump. Truck seems to running fine with no surge in rpm's at idle. Can't wait to start it in a. m. just to be sure. Thanks for all the feedback from everyone. Truck has 20,000 miles, anyone else had to replace one this soon?

 

[psterkowitz]

Did a cold start this morning, runs fine! I noticed a little white smoke if I punch it when cold. I suppose that's normal? Thanks again for the feedback.



Also can I take my Truck to a authorized cummins dealer if it's a engine problem or do I have to go to a dodge dealer first?

 

[DMyran]

I am glad to see that my acvice has helped.



I wonder how common of an occurance this is going to be on our

trucks?





Dane

 

[GerryDrake]

Originally posted by TallPaul

Also can I take my Truck to a authorized cummins dealer if it's a engine problem or do I have to go to a dodge dealer first?

From what I have read, the only time work at Cummins will be warranteed is when referred by a Dodge dealer (after they determine they can't fix it)