So today, for the first time in a very long while, big red is giving me fits.

Been running great lately. This morning (block heater plugged in) she started great. Went to leave today for lunch, started for a split second, shut off, then wouldn't start. Spinning like the DP was in no start mode. Spun quickly, no start. Let it sit for a min with the key on, she started, so I went home. I ate lunch and an hour later, she started fine (still warm)

Same stuff when I left for work today. Started for a split second, shut off, then wouldn't start. Tried starting for a few mins, nothing. Let it sit, tried starting, nothing. Let it sit, heard a big boom (almost like a backfire) and she started normally.

Shut it off when I got home, restarted fine.

Any chance in hell I have an exhaust restriction? These are not typical cold start issues. No check engine light. I don't have a code reader but I can get my hands on one.

Oil is brand new. Truck puts off a little white smoke *unburned fuel* but I didn't find that odd since, obviously, the truck was turning over and not starting.

Any ideas of where I should start?

I'll check cables, batts, GPR..all that. Don't think that's the issue. It has been cold here teens to 30's, but I started her at -16 just a few days back and all was well

 

Happy New Year, Lisa.
I would start by removing the DP-tuner chip to make sure that the problem is not there.
Remember to make sure that the keys are removed from the ignition.

 

Do you feel like the GPR is firing off and sending power to the Glow Plugs? Mine acted similar a couple of Winters ago but would eventually start, cloud of white smoke, rough running but then it was good for the day. Replaced the GPR and all was back to normal.

I know you checked the GPR but mine was intermiddent, checked good a couple of times.

Somebody smarter than me will jump in soon I bet !

 

10-4. In my effort to investigate I had been messing with the DP.

 

Your original post really sounds like a flaky connection somewhere.
It's why I suggest removing the chip for a few days and drive it.
If you want to investigate further, I would check all the plugs for the engine wiring harness.
CPS connectors might be corroded from water/salt intrusion, stuff like that.
It's what it sounds like to me.
.
Another thought is the IPR and a possible loose tin nut and/or plug.

 

Agreed. I'll pull the chip tomorrow and see what happens. I have an extra IPR and CPS, too.

Thanks Dan. Oh and happy new year!

 

If the connections are corroded on the inside, Ed has repair kits available for the engine wiring harness.
They are a plug with about 6 inches of wiring coming out of them.
From there you can solder them in and heat shrink the connections for a water-tight fit.
I've done two different plugs on my truck already due to broken wires. One was for the ICP, it turned on the SES light 50 miles from home on my way out on a 10 day vacation.
Managed to get it patched for the trip, but as soon as I returned home I got the kit from Ed and installed it.
I'll post up a picture in a few minutes what they look like.

 

When the truck does not start, does the tach move?

 

subscribing.

 

The only time I've ever heard a backfire on my truck was when the GPR failed, then suddenly lit up again.

FYI, you don't want that to happen at a busy campground at 6:30 in the morning. It quickly gets the attention of the forest service.

Check the GPR. In your description it sounds like the truck starts fine warm, or plugged in. But if it sits for a while not plugged in, that's when the problem happens. If the GPR is on it's way out, and working intermittently, then that would explain the problems, including the loud "boom" you heard.

 

Good point about the GPR. I didn't think about that one because the engine would start, then stall.
I've never heard of them starting then stalling out because of cold glow plugs.
Just flat not starting.

 

I have all the symptoms Curtis is descibing...I got the GP's, just need to get the GPR. On another note even if all was good with the GPR and GP's would it be a good idea to plug the engine in to keep the engine some what warm...In my reasoning if the engine is warm so is the oil, it makes it easier on the HPOP and injectors then cold thick oil...I just wondering....Sorry for Hijack Lisa!

 

Anyway, here is the pictures of the two repair plugs that I have installed on my engine.

You can see that the wiring is color coded all the same on these plugs so you have to be very careful about getting the connections right.
This one is for the ICP and the reason that I had to replace it was totally my fault.
Back when I first bought the truck I was trying to do a fancy version of the 10k mod. I ended up beating up the plug and wiring too much to trust anymore and it failed.


This one is for the AC high switch. The wiring simply frayed off right at the base of the connector, impossible to patch it when it was so short.
Disabled the AC.
Had to drive home in the summer heat with the windows rolled down for about 200 miles.

 

Curtis, my thinking was along the same as Dan's. Last time my GPR went out, it just plain wouldn't start. It wouldn't start and then stall. I will check the GPR, too.

The "backfire" was very odd. Felt like it came from right around where the cat is located..my cat is empty.

Thanks for the pictures Dan

 

Backfire, could have been from cranking "unburnt fuel" building up then the glowplugs kicking on, heating the fuel until there was a slight explosion. I've had similar sound and that was my thought processes anyway?