Just won't start but runs fine when starts

[Pastor Sinner]

Ok Folks:
I have a 1993 1st Gen Dodge Cummins, I read every thread on here, watched a lot of videos on youtube, googled everything. 1st I replaced Lift pump, 2nd all injectors to brand new ones, 3rd ditched the fuel heater by getting Cummins part# 3925954 (shorter nipple) to bypass fuel heater, 4th cut off clip on fuel connectors and replaced with hoses and clamps. Truck runs great when I give a little shot of ether, Yes I disconnect the heaters first, won't start cold won't restart just seconds after turning off, shows a little white smoke cold, but I assume because I ditched the fuel heater, cleans up after warmed up no misses, runs strong no lag or stalls, Just does not start like a Cummins should, Any help would be great Thanks in advance.
Pastor Sinner.

I have 93 W250 club cab with 4" Diamond Eye Turbo back Exhaust no muffler love that. I twisted the fuel pin 90 degrees, and bottomed out star wheel, did the KDP fix new front and rear main seals adjusted valves 010 intake, 020 exhaust, as well. Thanks again.

 

[Wayne M.]

My bet is the fuel solenoid and/ or plunger just inside or similar oring fail.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

Would that be the one on top backside of Injector?

 

[Wayne M.]

The back of the injector pump. Where all the lines are. Looks like a oil pressure switch. One wire.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

Thanks Wayne will be the next item.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

I did check power to it and it does get power, I will let you know if it works.

 

[NIsaacs]

I would guess the injection pump is weak. Won't deliver enough pressure at cranking speed but will once it starts.

Nick

 

[Wayne M.]

I did check power to it and it does get power, I will let you know if it works.

Not that it gets power. It wouldn't fire if it didn't, but there's a plunger inside there that screws up. Maybe 1genners can expand on that.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

Thanks Nick I hope that ain't the case, wouldn't a IP go out slowly, or just all at once, I totally restored my truck after it sitting for about 8-9 years due to high fuel costs. But since I started working on it it started to just quit on me. I will try Wayne idea first. As a DIYer I don't want to attack pump. I was a gas mech for 15 years but never a diesel one until lately.

 

[Wayne M.]

After sitting so much, it's probably just gummed up. Try running a few tanks with a good additive such as Stanadyne lubricity formula. It probably just needs a good hard workout.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Does the grid heater actually work?? If so, you could try advancing the timing a bit.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

I will pull the plunger out of solenoid first see if the beast starts, I was planning on bumping the timing a bit, but want to get some gauges first. How do you test the heaters, and I'm not the greatest diesel mechanic there is, but shouldn't it just fire right back up after it has run for like a half an hour, cause it just spins no matter what after I turn it off.

 

[Wayne M.]

If you pull the plunger, it won't shut down. You'll need the lever on the pump.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

Yes I have been checking into that, My son just bought a 97, and the guy put a choke cable on it. to kill it, may have to do the same thing. I see you a Mopar guy, Man back in the day I had a fleet of them things my fav was the 71 Charger Superbee had pistol grip and Ramcharger hood on it, Gunmetal gray. 15" rallys.

 

[DVolk]

My guess the "O" rings on your fuel to the lift pump and return line are bad mine was doibfg this I got rid of the ends and put good fuel grade linebover the hose and thripple clamped then put on the lift pump and return line my cranked xalot before firing I changed that after a lift pump did no change now she runs like a clock

 

[Pastor Sinner]

Thanks Dvolk: I did all that all ready. No go.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

Well Wayne: Pulled the solenoid out, took the innerads out, O-ring was kinda flat and hard, so I changed it as well. Still being a cranky ol' cuss. But not as bad, takes about 4-5 seconds to start again after letting it sit for about a minute. I hope it aint the IP like Nick is saying, next is a Check valve in-between the lift and injector pump, as I read in another thread. GRRRR

 

[Wayne M.]

Give it a good hard run. Put some weight in it. More the better. Lol.

 

[Pastor Sinner]

OK Thank Wayne Will give it a try, I really haven't drove it much since the restore, It started acting up on me just before I put it away wet. about 8 or so years ago. But after I put the new lift pump on it started getting better, but now worse again. I think I will go find some firewood some wheres and fill it up. Only thing is my bed has never had anything in the back of it, I got about 10 or so years ago, because I had an old service bed on it for a long time. I got my bed from an HVAC outfit in SLC., that took it off to put their service bed on, they had like four of them stacked on top of each other. Paid $400 for it. So I need to be careful I guess. This old goat is retired from severe service. Did you check out my youtube channel yet?

 

[DVolk]

Did you check the fuel heatetr o ring as well ?