How long does it take for your truck to start

[KKunz]

How long does it take for your truck to start? Outside temperature at 32*F and at 60*F I’m just trying to get a feel for my new 3rd Gen (2004). It seems to take a little longer to start than my 99 24v does the other morning it was 32*F out and took maybe 2 or 3 second longer to start. From time the starter engaged to the time it stared was about 4-5 second. Am I just being paranoid?

 

[JHardwick]

My '99 fired immediately and my '03 takes a second or 2 ... ... . 4-5 seconds seems like an awful long crank time.

 

[WM-300]

My '99 fired immediately and my '03 takes a second or 2 ... ... . 4-5 seconds seems like an awful long crank time.

LIke you say, my 03 High output, Bone Stock, turn the key, crank, it runs. One or two seconds. Ha!, my 4BTA Cummins in my old trucks start even quicker.



WM-300

 

[JEstes]

Mine usually starts within 1 second. The only times it's ever taken close to 4 seconds to start is when I have just put the key in, and gone straight from 'off' to 'crank'. Maybe fuel is draining back into the tank? I have noticed that if I turn the key on and wait one or two seconds for the lift pump, it usually starts almost instantly.

 

[MMeier]

Since I did injectors 2 weeks ago, when cold, it starts probably within one revolution, once warmed up maybe 3-4 revs.

 

[JBonpua]

I don't know if this will help but my 06 will fire within one second or maybe 1-1. 5 revolution. Even in the winter although up here in northern CA it does not get too cold unlike some parts of the country.

 

[MMerlino]

My previous 2000 started almost before I could get my fingers off the key when I turned it to start. My 2006 cranks a few times (about like a gasser vehicle). It always starts fine just a difference from the 2000. I took it back to the dealer after the first week of ownership and their top diesel mechanic told me it was designed into the new HPCR trucks to turn the engine over two or three times prior to start. So long as it starts I guess it is OK. I have become used to it now...

 

[sms124]

why it takes 2-3 seconds is because the crank sensor is looking for tdc and the cam sensor before allowing the injectors to fire

 

[JEstes]

why it takes 2-3 seconds is because the crank sensor is looking for tdc and the cam sensor before allowing the injectors to fire

Makes sense! Doesn't it have something to do with #1 and why you can hear the clicking of a capacitor when you turn the key to 'on' but don't start it?

 

[jelag]

I just took delivery of an 08 5500 6. 7L and it must be 3-5 seconds... I was surprised at how long it takes... . so there are other items the ecm is looking for on it for sure... .

 

[NJones]

My 06 has always taken longer to start than my 32 year old ford backhoe, Electronics----- no your not paranoid, just observant.

 

[PBrauer]

How long does it take for your truck to start? Outside temperature at 32*F and at 60*F I’m just trying to get a feel for my new 3rd Gen (2004). It seems to take a little longer to start than my 99 24v does the other morning it was 32*F out and took maybe 2 or 3 second longer to start. From time the starter engaged to the time it stared was about 4-5 second. Am I just being paranoid?

4-5 seconds is too long (that's a long time). Not questioning the other posts but if you really mean "one thousand one, one thousand two, etc... . then, well... that's a long time.



Try turning the key on for about 2-3 seconds then off for about 5 seconds (8-10 "dings/chimes". If you don't wait, the fuel pump/ASD won't cycle)... Do that at least six or seven times, then try to start it "normally". If it starts significantly faster then you have a fuel delivery problem which could be anything from the filter to the check valve to the pump itself. If your filter isn't overdue then you're probably accumulating air in the filter housing due to drain back. 4-5 seconds would be just about right to clear it. Since both the feed and return lines are high on the housing only a certain amount can drain back when the check valve fails. Six or seven "priming" cycles is enought to completely fill and purge from empty so if it starts faster after priming then there is air in the filter housing.

 

[Wdoucet]

Mine would take 4-5-6 seconds to start about 50% of the time, got the "long start" reflsh gone and now all it takes is a few turns. Much nicer than hearing a new (almost) truck cranking over like an old Dodge 225.

 

[rbattelle]

Doesn't it have something to do with #1 and why you can hear the clicking of a capacitor when you turn the key to 'on' but don't start it?

Normally capacitors don't make noise. I think the clicking you hear is either the injector solenoids or the fuel control actuator.

Mine will start within 1-2 seconds normally. But a "hot start" (such as when I shut down, run into the store to get something, then return a few minutes later) sometimes (not always) takes 2-3 seconds instead.

Try turning the key on for about 2-3 seconds then off for about 5 seconds (8-10 "dings/chimes". If you don't wait, the fuel pump/ASD won't cycle)... Do that at least six or seven times, then try to start it "normally". If it starts significantly faster then you have a fuel delivery problem which could be anything from the filter to the check valve to the pump itself. If your filter isn't overdue then you're probably accumulating air in the filter housing due to drain back. 4-5 seconds would be just about right to clear it. Since both the feed and return lines are high on the housing only a certain amount can drain back when the check valve fails. Six or seven "priming" cycles is enought to completely fill and purge from empty so if it starts faster after priming then there is air in the filter housing.

Good idea.

Ryan

 

[JEstes]

Normally capacitors don't make noise. I think the clicking you hear is either the injector solenoids or the fuel control actuator.



Mine will start within 1-2 seconds normally. But a "hot start" (such as when I shut down, run into the store to get something, then return a few minutes later) sometimes (not always) takes 2-3 seconds instead.







Good idea.



Ryan

Hmm... So does that mean the #1 injector is sitting there opening/closing before the engine is running? I know it's not going to get any fuel since the CP3 isn't turning, but it's still interesting. I'd like to know the exact series of events that happens when this sucker starts... Most of the diesels I've got experience with aren't this "smart"... lol

 

[KSears]

For me starting is one of the biggest difference I have noticed in the third gen trucks. I drove a 90 w-250 for about fifteen yrs before buying a new truck, I was use to it starting as soon as you turned the key every time without fail,, the 03 and now 05 I have seems to turn the engine over many times before it starts, I guess its the electronics that make the difference,,, the more miles I get on it the better it seems though

 

[AKaiser]

Look on the bright side, a longer crank means you should have some oil moving to the turbo before the engine exhaust starts to turn the impeller at a high rate of speed. Result: in theory, less wear on the turbo. Our mechanical DT 466s would crank with just a touch of the key even in sub-zero weather as long as the batteries were up. Diesel engineers used to recommend cranking a non-glow-plugged engine for 15 seconds with the fuel shut off prior to starting to preheat the chamber and get oil into the turbo. That isn't usually necessary with plugs or heating elements in the intake manifold.

 

[KKunz]

I think I was a little off on my start time of 4-5 seconds when cold 32* after reading the post of how long it take for other to start I think my truck start like the rest. I also changed the fuel filter which did seem to make some difference thanks for all the help

 

[PBrauer]

The clicking is the FCA. I think it cycles to ensure the rail pressure sensor see's pressure ASAP when starting... just a theory though.

 

[snowaholic]

Not cold; but 47 this morning, didn't wait for the grid and it still cranked and started in less than 2 seconds, more like a hair over 1 second. Fired right up... This thread had me thinking so I tried it... ...