sometimes when i go to crank up my truck, it hesistates and rolls over a couple of times and then finally starts up.. i was wondering what causes it to do that?

 

It could be a number of things, its better you pinpoint the problem to either a spark, fuel or combustion related issue.

http://www.ifitjams.com/starting.htm

 

There's no spark in a diesel (smacks head)


I don't know what "hesitates, then rolls over and starts" means...?? Like there's a delay between turning the key and it turning over, or it just turns over more than normal before starting? I'm inclined to say don't worry about it, but you need to describe it more

 

lol..guess people forget theres no spark plugs in diesels huh!it turns over more than normal before starting.. it tries to start but its like its not getting fuel so it keeps turning over and then finally starts

 

And how long does this whole process take? Is it cold where you're at? If so, do you plug it in? Run fine when you drive it? Any white smoke/haze?

If it's just a couple seconds, no worries. If it takes more than a couple seconds, could be batteries, could be injectors on their way out.

Any way you could grab a video?

 

runs fine when i drive it.. it lasts about 4 or 5 seconds.. once it starts tho i guess the grid heater kicks in and out and it pulls my battery down to where it almost dies, pulls my head lights down and my interior lights.. that goes on for about 5 mins while i let it warm up..the temperature where i live is in the high 40s and low 50s every day..

 

40-50!? It should fire right up, maybe 1-2 seconds tops. Grid heater pulling the gauge and lights down is completely normal.

How's the batteries?

 

the batteries test good.. any ideas of why it does that before it starts?

 

Are you waiting for the heater light to go out before starting?

 

Judging by the lack of response, you probably answered his question with a reminder.