I have2003 HO cummins. It hasbeen becoming increasing hard to start. Once it fires off, itruns just fine. No loss of power at all. Iknow my way around gasolineengines but I am still in the learning curve on diesels. Any suggestions?

 

I can't say this is your problem and maybe someone else can chime in to verify or deny but, glow plugs can cause that. I don't know the 03 so I'm not sure that you even have them. You could also have some clogged injectors.

 

Triton, cummins uses intake grid heaters. Glow plugs are one of them ford things I don't understand[&:]. LHM first thing first, is there any smoke coming out the exhaust when cranking?

 

Yeah, I knew that about the newer cummins but, wasn't sure about the older ones. Didn't realise it was only a Ford thing either. Ok, so that theory doesn't count.

Maybe a bad heater grid then ??

 

TSB for cold starts

http://www.lifeaftercoffee.com/wp-co...nne_ramsey.jpg

Hard Start/ No Start Diagnostics
ENGINE WILL NOT START/HARD TO START Possible Causes Battery voltage
Starting Accessories
Fuel Supply (Low Pressure) System
Fuel Injection (High Pressure) System
Fuel Return
Air Intake System
Other Vehicle Systems
Base Engine 1. DTC/PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT - Check for any service bulletins related to the
customer's concern or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) present. Follow appropriate
guidelines in the diagnostic procedures outlined in TechCONNECT. Is the vehicle
repaired?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #17.
b. No >> Go to Step #2. 2. Verify Battery Voltage - Measure the battery voltage and load capability. Is the
battery voltage sufficient?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #3.
b. No >> Repair low battery voltage condition. Go to Step #17. 3. Check the supply fuel in the vehicle - Verify fuel level in the fuel tank. Also verify
fuel quality. Remove, inspect and replace the fuel filter (if necessary). Investigate for
evidence of fuel contamination and improper fuel type. Refer to the vehicle owners
manual fuel requirements section. Is the fuel quality within specification?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #5.
b. No >> Follow fuel contamination process (drain contaminated fuel, replace
damaged components, fill with proper fuel). >> Go to Step #17. 4. Check the supply fuel in the vehicle - Verify fuel level in the fuel tank. Also verify
fuel quality. Remove, inspect and replace the fuel filter (if necessary). Investigate for
evidence of fuel contamination and improper fuel type. Refer to the vehicle owners
manual fuel requirements section. Is the fuel quality within specification?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #5.
b. No >> Follow fuel contamination process (drain contaminated fuel, replace
damaged components, fill with proper fuel). >> Go to Step #17. 5. If the injector return from any cylinder(s) is deemed excessive:
a. Check HPC tip for damage, replace HPC if damaged. Refer to the detailed service
information available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System >
Fuel Injection > Fuel Injector > Removal/Installation. >> Go to Step #15.
b. If HPC tip is undamaged, replace the injector and HPC. Refer to the detailed service
information available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System >
Fuel Injection > Fuel Injector > Removal/Installation. >> Verify that a quality fuel
filter is used. >> Go to Step #15. 6. Check the engine oil level - Check the engine oil level - Is the engine oil level over
filled?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #7.
b. No >> Go to Step #8. 7. Remove the engine valve cover - Inspect for injectors leaking fuel into the valve train
area while cranking the engine. If the engine will start and idle, actuate the Fuel
Pressure Override Test on the appropriate scan tool NOTE: This feature is not
available on 2003 MY vehicles. Use the fuel manifold blocking tool, Miller special tool
#9011, to isolate suspected leaking injectors. If the leak is still present with the
suspected injector isolated, remove the injector and inspect the O-ring on the body of
the injector for cuts or damage. Inspect the injector bore for burrs or other cause for a
cut O-ring. Correct the cause of the damaged O-ring and replace the O-ring. Use
copper sealing gasket when reinstalling the injector. Refer to the detailed removal and
installation procedures available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel
System > Fuel Injection > Fuel Injector. Are there any leaking injectors?
a. Yes >> Replace the leaky injector(s). Refer to the detailed removal and installation
procedures available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System >
Fuel Injection > Fuel Injector. >> Go to Step #17.
b. No >> Determine the source of fuel/coolant/other substance in the crankcase
causing the system to be over full. Repair as necessary. >> Go to Step #17. 8. Check the fuel pressure limiting valve. - Perform the “Checking Pressure Limiting
Valve On The Fuel Rail For Internal Leaks� test. Perform the existing diagnostic
procedure available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 9 - Engine > Diagnosis
and Testing. No leakage is expected while cranking or while at idle speed. Does the
pressure limiting valve leak internally?
a. Yes >> Replace the fuel pressure limiting valve. - Refer to the detailed service
information available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System >
Fuel Delivery > Fuel Pressure Regulator. >> Go to Step #17.
b. No >> Go to Step #9. 9. 9. Test for high injector return flow. - Refer to the detailed diagnostic information
available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 9 - Engine, Diagnosis and Testing >
Injector Return Flow Test. Do the injectors pass the “Injector Return Flow Test�?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #11.
b. No >> Go to Step #10.
NOTE: Torque all High Pressure Connector (HPC) nuts to the correct torque and
retest. Refer to the detailed service information available in TechCONNECT
under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System > Fuel Injection > Fuel Injector.

NOTE: Test should be repeated to confirm measurements.
10. If the injector return from any cylinder(s) is deemed excessive:
a. Check HPC tip for damage, replace HPC if damaged. Refer to the detailed service
information available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System >
Fuel Injection > Fuel Injector > Removal/Installation. >> Go to Step #17.
b. If HPC tip is undamaged, replace the injector and HPC. Refer to the detailed service
information available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System >
Fuel Injection > Fuel Injector > Removal/Installation. >> Verify that a quality fuel
filter is used. >> Go to Step #17. 11. Verify proper low pressure fuel supply to the high pressure pump. Perform the
appropriate fuel supply system flow test. NOTE: This procedure can be slightly
different depending on if the vehicle has an engine-mounted transfer pump or
the in-tank transfer pump. In a good low pressure fuel system, fuel flow of 560 mL in
10 seconds or better is expected for model year 2003 and early 2004 vehicles. In a
good low pressure fuel system, fuel flow of 590 mL in 10 seconds or better is expected
for model year late 2004 through 2005 vehicles. Be sure there is no air in the system.
Is the low pressure fuel supply volume sufficient?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #12.
b. No >> Repair the low pressure fuel supply system. Vehicles equipped with an in
tank fuel pump: Refer to the detailed diagnostic information available in
TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 9 - Engine > Diagnosis & Testing > In-Tank
Fuel Lift Pump Flow/Diagnostic Test Procedure. Vehicles equipped with an
engine mounted fuel transfer pump: Refer to the detailed diagnostic information
available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > Diagnostics tab, Powertrain Gas,
Driveability Diesel, Fuel Lift Pump Flow And Inlet Restriction Test >> Go to Step
#17. 12. Verify high pressure pump output volume. Remove the high pressure fuel line from
the high pressure pump outlet port to the fuel rail. Connect a suitable hose to the high
pressure outlet port of the high pressure pump and route it to a graduated container.
Disconnect the Electronic Fuel Control Actuator. Crank the engine until fuel exits the
hose. NOTE: With the discharge line routed to atmosphere, fuel will discharge at
0 PSI. Crank the engine for three 10 second intervals, pausing to allow the starter to
cool between each crank event. High pressure pump output volume must be greater
than 70 mL in 30 seconds. Is the high pressure pump output flow sufficient?
a. Yes >> Go to Step #13.
b. No >> Replace the high pressure pump. Refer to the detailed service information
available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 14 - Fuel System > Fuel Injection
> Fuel Injection Pump. >> Go to Step #17. 13. Fuel Return - Check for kinked or restricted fuel return lines. Check the fuel tank
venting. Where any problems found in the Fuel Return system?
a. Yes >> Repair as necessary. >> Go to Step #17.
b. No >> Go to Step #14. 14. Intake/Exhaust Systems - Check for inlet restriction, inspect air filter for excessive
dirt/debris. Verify air intake tubes and hoses are not kinked or restricted. Check for
charge air cooler air system leaks. Perform the “INTAKE AIR SYSTEM PRESSURE
TEST - DIESEL�. Refer to the detailed service information available in TechCONNECT
under: Service Info > 11 - Exhaust System > Turbocharger System > Turbocharger >
Inspection. Inspect the Turbocharger for excessive compressor wheel movement and
proper waste gate operation. Check for exhaust restriction. Check for kinked or
blocked exhaust pipes. Verify proper exhaust brake operation (if equipped). Were any
issues found with the Intake/Exhaust Systems?
a. Yes >> Repair as necessary. >> Go to Step #17.
b. No >> Go to Step #15. 15. Other Vehicle Systems - Verify proper operation of the Transmission Clutch. Verify
proper operation of the Transmission. Verify proper operation of the Vehicle brakes
(check for dragging). Verify proper operation of the Cooling fan operation cycle time.
Verify proper operation of the Engine driven accessories. Were any issues found
with the Other Vehicle Systems?
a. Yes >> Repair as necessary. >> Go to Step #17.
b. No >> Go to Step #16. 16. Base Engine - Check for internal engine damage. Valve lash settings, engine
compression, cylinder leak down, etc. Were any issues found with the Base
Engine?
a. Yes >> Repair as necessary. >> Go to Step #17.
b. No >> Go to Step #17. 17. Repair Complete. - Perform Powertrain Verification Test VER - 1 (Diesel). Refer to the
detailed service information available in TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 8 -
Electrical/Electronic Control Modules/Engine Control Module > Diagnosis And Testing.

 

Jakebrake, there is black smoke when it fires off, But not any smoke while cranking it. I am gonna crawl over it today and see if I can find any leaks in the fuel system. I appreciate the help guys!

 

sounds like lak-o-fuel at start up.

changed the fuel filter recently?

runnin crappy fuel?

 

They have Rams with 24 volt systems now?

 

24 Valve not volt

 

I remember something like this happening to someone else here and it turned out to be water mixed with the fuel. Why don't you drain off some fuel and take a look at it?