Hard starting when cold

[jon617]

I posted last week and i want to thank all who replied,this is a great place to learn.My truck,when sitting over night or even for 2 or more hours was hard to start(cranked and cranked and finally started)in temps ranging from 60 and lower.WTS light would come on for maybe 5 seconds,followed by clicking.White smoke would come out the tail pipe until it kicked over.I replaced the glow plugs yesterday and also changed oil to synthetic amsoil HD Diesel and Marine 15W40.Last night it was 12 degrees,but around 20 when i went to start it this morning(truck was plugged in).Anyway,WTS light stayed on about 10 seconds,i turn the key.It cranked less then 5 seconds and fired right up!I will see what happens when i do not plug it in,but thanks for all your help and information.I know the glow plugs were bad but would the synthetic play a big part in the motor turning over that much more easily??? Also since the truck seems fixed,would that rule out the possibility of air in the fuel lines?I replaced the caps and o-rings(but not the fuel lines) at 100,000.Truck has 218,000 on it now with stock injectors and no fuel leakage noticeable.Should i leave the return lines alone?

[cdnsarguy]

Usually the kit comes with all parts required so that all return line parts are changed same time. Any disturbance now may require complete kit change again. Are the injectors OEM install ie 218K ago if so they could be part of the problem. Air will go into the system where fuel will not leak out, so no fuel leaks is decieving.

I would either change injectors or have them tested if over 100k on them, then do a complete return line kit exchange as all required parts are in the kit.

[jon617]

Injectors are original as i am the only owner.The only reason i changed the o-rings and caps at 100,000 was because they were leaking.Yesterday,i talked with the owner of a diesel place and asked him about the injectors.He said,they sre Bosch and 218,000 is nothing,but i dont really trust him that much.So,if the truck becomes difficult to start again,would u reccomend having hte injectors replaced? Other thab that,it runs great,dosent miss or anything.Thanks cdnsarguy!!

[aaklingler]

I would recommend replacing the injectors or at least checking them if you have starting trouble again, you should install the complete return line kit if you do replace them, but i would leave the return lines alone till then, unless they start leaking.

[cdnsarguy]

I would think seriously about replacing the injectors yes. Do you use any lubricity additives in the fuel...... Power Service or Stanadyne.

The batteries and starter could be part of the problem too, how old are they and what CCA are the batteries.

If I were you I would try and contact NJKen see if he is anywhere close to you for a get together and a looksee.......Ken is very knowledgeable with IDI.