I have been in construction and industrial work for a. Over couple decades now . i have driven a bunch of diesel trucks at work . but i just picked up my first as a owner . 2003 Dodge Cummins Turbo so the day i bought mine i took it on a 135mile test drive . but the next morning it wouldnt start . it only got down to 43deg so i didnt think it needed plugged into power cord .. i tried 3 times to start it . he said he changed fuel filter and a new in tank fuel pump . but the fuel guage only reads to half tank after fill up . but the tank is full .so after 2 days of reading . then i spoke to a buddy who works on diesels he talked me through useing starting fluid safley . after it fires up . i can run into town. Do what we need to do . stop turn off engine . it will start rite up . but if it sits overnight . or out in a large parking lot with lots of cold wind . its just cranks . and needs some starting fluid. . any ideas .? I live in Illinois . and i travel for work . all over the midwest . most work teips are 3-12 hour drives . so im a little nervous . with this start issue . thanks for any help
618 974 1475

 

Mike, give this a try. Turn the key on, and then after all the alarms stop chiming, turn the key off again. Wait a few seconds, and the turn the key back on. When all the chimes stop, then try to start it. What you are doing is using your pre heater grid twice, to help it start in cold weather. DO NOT DO THIS TO MANY TIMES. It is hard on your pre heater grid.

I do not know of your fuel tank problems though.

 

We are going to check fuel pressure at rail today .

 

When i get truck fired up . it runs fine starts and does everything its asjed to do . but if it sits in the parking lot at work from 6:30 am to say 5:30 pm it just cranks and somtimes needs a shot of fluid it fire up . does it sound like i have air in my fuel system ??

 

Could be, but there would have to be a leak some where. Do you smell any diesel fuel? Did you check your pressure and return lines? Did you check the lines where they go into the top of the tank? If no leaks you are going to have to do pressure checks. You need at least 4,000 pounds pressure for it to start. If not the pump may be to weak. Did you check the fuel filter? I know you said it was changed, but when. I have changed filters that were as black as coal, or even had collapsed. It is not hard to do.

 

I just took the truck on a 1700 mile work road trip Illinois to Nebraska . ran fine all the way there . no problems . i worked 2 night shifts . but each morning after sitting in the parking lot overnight . it needed help starting . a shot of starting fluid was needed . let it sit and warm up . and drove straight to eat . and back t poo hotel room . no probkems ???