'06 won't start without ether??
 

My bone stock 5.9 won't start without using ether. Here's where it gets tricky. If I change the fuel filter it will start fine without help for just a couple days then back to needing help. I thought it may be the lift pump getting weak and not having enough fuel psi to push through the filter. So, I changed the lift pump and put another new filter in it. Two days later, won't start again. Any ideas? Oh yeah, it runs like a brand new one once it starts.

sounds like you need a fuel pressure gauge and to check your engine codes.

I did have the engine codes checked. The only one that came up was P2509. The ECM detected loss of power condition. I think this was caused by running the battery completely down trying to get it started. I will try checking the fuel pressure next.

STOP USING ETHER. The Cummins uses a grid heater in the intake. Ether+Grid Heater+Intake= BIG BOOM. Some guys get away with it, some don't. Are you feeling lucky?


What lift pump did you use to replace the old one?

If it's not starting cold because the grid heaters aren't working, ether won't be a problem. :)

Just got one from autozone. Didn't want to spend much because I didn't know for sure it it was the problem

It does not matter what the temp is outside. Also does not matter if the engine is warmed up or not. Even if its ran and came up to operating temp it won't start right after you shut it off.

sounds like either fuel isn't getting to the injectors, or an electronic gremlin is present causing injectors to not spray...

you really need to check your pressures.