ETHER and Cummins

[FD5]

My 89 WILL NOT START unless I use ether and I can't figure out why. Less than a half a second with aerosol ether is all it takes to get it started. Idles fine and drives fine as long as it is under accelleration, if I let off accellerator for a light or stop sign it MAY go dead, not always. If it does, ether is the only way to get it started. Engine temp can be 180 and it won't start without ether. I changed out the lift pump, changed fuel filter, replaced supply and return fuel lines, what else can I do? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'd say your grid heater is not working for two reasons: hard starting in moderately cold weather, and the engine didn't explode when you used ether.



NEVER use ether with the Cummins.

 

[hdm48]

I agree with Mr. Donnelly about starting fluid. It's a NO-NO!!

But as far as your truck goes I would say you have a grid heater problem and a idle speed problem.

Just for fun, put a scrap of paper about . 040" thick between the idle stop screw and the linkage and then try to start it. Don't move the throttle or the paper will fall out.

If it starts, I think you found the problem with the idle part. The grid heater is another matter. Check the archives, lots of info there.



good luck --dave--

 

[FD5]

Grid heater

The grid heater is not coming on but I thought it was because of the temp (70's and 80's), also would the grid heater come on when the engine temp is at 180 degrees?



Is there a relay for the grid heater?



If so where is it located?



Thanks,