Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard strat cold.

[zues]

When I get in my truck to start, the truck cranks and cranks and then starts. It does not matter what time of day. After the first really hard start, the truck starts normal for the rest of the day.

 

[biggy238]

The manual has the cold start procedure in it. And lots of other things to help out.



Does your truck have the "Wait to start" light?

If it does, do just that. Let it sit with the key on until the light goes out. If yours is like the older models, It's the grid heater heating the air in the intake manifold to help the engine start. Also plug it in. This will heat the block and help keep the viscosity of the oil down for easier starts. After the first start, the engines heat should take care of those two things, which I think is why you're seeing the easier starts afterward

 

[WBusa]

I agree with Biggy about "wait to start" and plugging it in. You might also want to try fuel additive... Stanadyne (see my previous thread for how to order), Power Service (at NAPA), whatever. The higher cetane number these give you help a bit with cold starting. Also, what batteries are you running, and how many total CCA? Are they in good shape? Are the posts and clamps nice and clean? I don't know what the '04 calls for, but you can never be too rich or have too many cold cranking amps. When the time comes to replace 'em, I heartily recommend Optimas (get 'em from Sears so your warranty is good wherever you go).



p. s. - it would help us to know where you're located, and in what kind of temperatures you're having this problem. If you're in, say, Hawaii and a 'cold' start is 65 degrees, then your problem is certainly not 'wait to start', and plugging it in would be a dang fool thing to do

 

[zues]

The outside temp can be over 70 degrees and still hard to start. It has a light and I always wait to start.

 

[dodge cummins]

sounds like there is another underlying problem

 

[Howard Durand]

If you are referring to the 2004 truck, try the third gen forum.

 

[zues]

The truck is a 1994 12 valve.

 

[Howard Durand]

Sounds like you are losing prime or getting air in the fuel lines. Have you checked the two rubber fuel lines that feed the injection pump? They are famous for cracking and leaking.

Also, the overflow valve may need replacing.

 

[biggy238]

Fuel cutoff valve and solenoid maybe? Make sure the lever is (all the way up i think) to start. Do a search on the process to check it. I've never had a problem so I don't remember what to do to check it.



It does sound alot like a fueling problem though- fuel cutoff or losing prime are my guesses now.

 

[WBusa]

Yeah, gotta be losing prime. Replace those rubber fuel lines to/from the injection pump. You can buy high-quality replacements from LarryB ( http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm ). Getting to them is a pain in the butt, but its so likely to be your problem that its worth the effort. There's really no way you can 'check' those hoses... microscopic cracks can cause you to lose prime without seeing any fuel leak. Just replace 'em.