03 Dodge Diesel Starting Issues

[rsaint]

Step pa has a 03 dodge diesel and will not start warm or cold sometimes has to use ether to start. Has had it to the local dealer and they just take his money.
Is there a good place to take it to in the city. Has the upgrade to the fuel pump in the tank. I believe it is a fuel problem something leaking down injector or fuel bypass leaking below what the injectors operating pressure. It is a problem that is not there every time you try and start it. Also 280k and lots of power and 25mpg.

 

[fat tire]

There is a place on the south side of Edmonton, called snows auto........on 91 street and 38 ave. They worked on my 05 ........seem to have a handful of good guys, tonk a on the yellow head was good too.

 

[DRD]

Did you PM Cyle??

 

[dezmitchell]

summetric on here runs a certigaurd in sherwood part. Heard nothing but good things about his work im sure he will come accross this one and you can get more info from him.

 

[Cyle]

Generally injectors only cause cold start issues like overnight, as they leak down over time. Generally not when still warm. Went through injectors 3 times with last truck, every time only cold start issues never warm. But if its just a random non start issue it could be a million things. I would avoid ether at all costs though, even used sparingly is very hard on the engine.

 

[rsaint]

Generally injectors only cause cold start issues like overnight, as they leak down over time. Generally not when still warm. Went through injectors 3 times with last truck, every time only cold start issues never warm. But if its just a random non start issue it could be a million things. I would avoid ether at all costs though, even used sparingly is very hard on the engine.

I agree with the ether with the glow grid or plugs but that is the only way it will start once it starts it will start again which leads to a fuel pressure issue. Even plugged in some times it will not start.

 

[Summitric]

Unfortunately it sounds like you have plugged up/dirty injectors........ Especially if it won't start warm and sometimes cold, and use ether to start it and it runs...... Fuel is trickling in poorly, rather than proper spray pattern dispersal and won't allow it to quite start. You might check and verify the fuel pressures first and replace the fuel filter, but unfortunately it does sound like injectors........

 

[rsaint]

Unfortunately it sounds like you have plugged up/dirty injectors........ Especially if it won't start warm and sometimes cold, and use ether to start it and it runs...... Fuel is trickling in poorly, rather than proper spray pattern dispersal and won't allow it to quite start. You might check and verify the fuel pressures first and replace the fuel filter, but unfortunately it does sound like injectors........

You would think the local dealer would have the tools to diagnos the problem and verify fuel pressures but not a problem charging. For what he has spent there he could have replaced the injectors looking for a place to take it. What ever the problem he wants it fixed. 2 new fuel filters recently.

 

[Polarblu]

Verify inlet pressure to the high pressure pump(10 psi or more) Then verify fuel rail pressure you need to plug into the ecm for that. There is a sensor on that fuel rail that will cause this problem and it should kick a code, should. Intermittent problems are not usually a mechanical failure as im sure Summitrik will understand but nothing is written in stone. Intermittent points towards electrical, ether isnt a bad thing on the Cummins as it has an inlet air heater not glow plugs( the glow plug tips get hammered with ether) heater grid not so much as it dosnt get hot enough to ignite due to not being in the combustion chamber. If a cummins wont fire when hot you have either no fuel or not enough compression. You have good power so something isnt letting the injectors fire or there isnt enough pressure in the fuel rail to make it happen.

 

[rsaint]

Verify inlet pressure to the high pressure pump(10 psi or more) Then verify fuel rail pressure you need to plug into the ecm for that. There is a sensor on that fuel rail that will cause this problem and it should kick a code, should. Intermittent problems are not usually a mechanical failure as im sure Summitrik will understand but nothing is written in stone. Intermittent points towards electrical, ether isnt a bad thing on the Cummins as it has an inlet air heater not glow plugs( the glow plug tips get hammered with ether) heater grid not so much as it dosnt get hot enough to ignite due to not being in the combustion chamber. If a cummins wont fire when hot you have either no fuel or not enough compression. You have good power so something isnt letting the injectors fire or there isnt enough pressure in the fuel rail to make it happen.

I agree lots of power when she runs. Need a handheld programer to keep with the truck for when the problem is there. Dont understand the local dealer had it for a week said should be good but not, waste of time.

 

[Polarblu]

I agree lots of power when she runs. Need a handheld programer to keep with the truck for when the problem is there. Dont understand the local dealer had it for a week said should be good but not, waste of time.

Talented technicians dont work for dealers for very long, unless they are in a bind they find a real shop or go on their own. Dealers are for warranty work and thats it!! If you want good work go to a 2 mechanic shop. They fight for their dollars and do everything they can to make you happy so you come back. Its a catch 22 if you fix it right the first time the people dont come back, cause it works.

 

[Bunn]

Need to check the Lift(supply) pump volume before the filter and after the filter first.This will determine if the lift pump in the tank is opperating properly and will also double check the filter.Then you need to complete a injector return flow test.The only way to complete this is with the proper tools.All dealers should have these tools as they were all shipped them.Some good aftermarket shops will have them if they deal with any Cummins diagnostics.First hand experiance tells me you have an injector or maybe more that have high return flow rate.When you use starting fluid,the engine will start,then the injection pump will be turning fast enough to be able to supply enough fuel to keep it running and over come the injector that has a high return flow.The injector return flow test is valid for both the engine cranking test and the running test.If you need the acctual spec's,I will post them.This is a common concern and not that difficult to solve.....get it to a good shop.