Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard starting when cold

[DEngland]

I'm having a hard time getting my truck started after it sits for a while (couple of hours) I cycle the grid heater like I'm supposed too, when the light goes out, I have to crank a good 5 seconds to get it to start. Once it starts, it runs fine. I've checked the fuel pressure: idle (15) cruise (13) wot (no less than 7) I also changed the fuel filter to see if that would help, no luck! I've never plugged the truck in, but it hasn't been colder than 10 or so this winter. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SOOT]

Does it smoke alot upon start up? Are you cycling the heater once or twice? If once then try twice and see if it makes a difference.

 

[DEngland]

I've tried it both ways (cycling once and twice) The light is staying on for a good 30 seconds and then I hear a click, so I'm assuming the grid heaters are working. It does smoke some when it finally starts. I've even tried cycling the lift pump to see if that helps, no luck!

 

[SOOT]

The light comes on even if the grid heaters don't. Do the lights dim or the volt meter pull down at all after the truck is running? If not then it could possibly be the grid heater relay quit working.

 

[DEngland]

Thanks for the help, I noticed today that there is a big puff of white smoke coming out and I don't think my lights are dimming after the truck is running, so I guess that's what the problem is. My next question is, where is the relay?

 

[kcook]

I had the same problem and checked the connections, the connections at the grid elements (2) studs where loose in the block, something had broken in the block at the connections. I think the elements are under those studs and I think you have to be very careful how much you torque those nuts at the connections. My best guess is when I put my injectors in, and put the connections back on, I torqued them too much spun the studs, and damaged the elements in the block.



I ordered a new block ASSY. from moparforless $119. 00 plus shipping.



good luck,

 

[SOOT]

The relay is bolted to the inside of the drivers side fender, its big you can't miss it. You can follow the wires coming from the grid heaters down to the relay.

 

[Hohn]

Ive been battling a similar cold start issue with my truck. It's almost as if the truck is losing prime whenever it's shut doen for more than a few minutes.



Sometimes, I get almost no fuel pressure when I run the heaters (not the usual 5psi). But that doesn't seem to make a difference as it will sometimes start quickly with no pressure showing.



I think there's an air leak in my fuel delivery setup. I have a million adapters and other crap plumbed into the system before the VP so as to supply my FP guage and my Fitch Fuel Catalyst.



When my max flow kit from Wildcat arrives, I am going to do it right and see if I still have starting problems.



Weird thing is that I never had the starting problems in GA with the EXACT same fuel delivery setup, and both a fuel filter change and a tank of Power Sevice Diesel Kleen seemed to make temporary improvements.



Any ideas?



Justin

 

[DEngland]

Had my truck at the dealer yesterday, found out I had a weak lift pump. It was holding good fuel pressure while it was running, but when you tried to start the truck it would show 0 pressure for about 6 or 8 seconds, then the truck would start. Dealer is replacing lift pump under warranty tomorrow. Thanks for all the help.