Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard Start

[surfbeetle]

So I was having the typically hard starting issues with my 95. It seemed that the truck was losing it's prime. I had changed the fuel lines with Larry B's, I had installed a new overflow return valve from PDR, changed the fuel filter, etc. In the morning, it would have to be cranked or primed to start.



In my frustration, I took it to a certified Cummins mechanic that was recommended to me by two separate people. This guy raised my idle to 950 from 800 and cleaned the vents in the fuel tank. Now when I tap the starter, the truck fires right off just like it did when it was new.



My only question is what is the proper setting for the idle, I think that 950 may be a bit high yet that is what my neighbor's 24 valve idles at.

 

[kenny61]

From the 96 factory manual

auto trans 750-800 transmission in drive and a/c on
manual 780 transmission in neutral and a/c on

 

[HHhuntitall]

I've had a lot of questions over the years about idle speed. Personally, I idle my trucks down in winter and up in summer so they can pull air through the radiator when hot. When idled down, I've had several trucks that won't start at all when cranked. Usually I just depress the accelerator while bumping the key, instantly letting off the pedal. They all boom off instantly. In cold weather I'll let them turn over a second or two to lube the engine before starting. The old Caterpillar 1396s and early 3406 series used to be that way after a few hundred thousand, too. It's all in the injection pump and starter, usually.

 

[kenny61]

Mine is around 600-650 its fine all year round