Hey guys. I'm pretty new to Diesels. I've just recently saved up enough cash to buy my first cummins. Its a 1994 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9l cummins auto tranny with 350000kms. My question is when its cold (I live in Ontario Canada so its always cold!!) The truck is hard to start, takes 2-3 cycles of the grid heater. When it finally starts it runs rough and blows out white/grey smoke for about 30 seconds than smooths right out and runs like a top. I also have to have my foot on the throttle to keep it running for that 30 seconds. What could be causing this? Timing? or is my injection pump getting worn out? Thanks for the help!!

 

Typical diesel. Plug it in at night and see what it acts like.

 

What is the idle speed once the engine is up to operating temp?

I would start off with a compression test (princess auto has a cheap compression tester with the proper adaptor for your engine) with that many miles it could be getting a little low, which could cause a hard start. Next up would be having the injectors tested for pop pressure and a good spray pattern. Worn injectors that are not doing a good job spraying fuel will also cause a hard start.

I have a 95 12v that sat for 3 months in our Newbrunswick winter and it started with one cycle of the grid heater at -20.

What part of ontario are you in?

 

I'd vote its a timing issue, serious doubt there is a need for a compression test or injector test at this point.
Might also verify the grid heater isnt starting to burn in too. Adjust idle, check timing.

Most of these trucks run a little rough on first start up when cold and needing to keep your foot on the throttle is in correlation to a bit of a low idle or a GS a bit out of adjustment.

 

how did your issuse get solved because im having the same problem with mine.

 

Start with the simple stuff. If your idle speed is too low, that could cause the problem you are describing. What does it idle at when it's warm?

 

my idle is at about 700-800 once it warms up. ive changed the fuel filter and put supplement in the tank because it doesnt have the fuel water seperator on the filter anymore.

 

If that's your rpm sitting there in park, it's a tad low. That's roughly what it should run in drive with your foot on the brake and the ac running.

 

ok ill try turning it up and see what happens but my ac is bypassed right now beacuse the pump took a crap. so should it be higher?

 

The AC isn't that big of a factor. Having the tranny engaged is the biggie.