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No Start - Cummins 8.3L
I am seeking some diagnostic help. So, as it seems to be with quite a few of us, I am not a mechanic. That said, I will likely get things wrong in the description of this problem but I will do my best to convey it accurately and completely. I appreciate anything you all can do to help.
Here is my problem in a nutshell... My engine started with no issues one month ago. Now it will crank just fine but fails to start. It does not sputter, smoke or seem to try to start. There is no smoke or diesel smell during the start attempts. There is fuel in the tank.
The details... 2005 BB AA RE, straight six 8.3L Cummins ISC. I do not know much more about the engine but would like to. If anyone can help me locate the serial number that would be very helpful.
One month ago... I start the bus once a month and run it for 30-45 minutes (either driving around town or idling). I attempted to start last month and found the starting batteries were at their end (I knew this was coming as I had to jump start it the month before). I was not able to jump start it this month. I replaced the batteries (new) and started the bus up with no issues. I ran the motor for about 45 minutes. I noticed at some point during that 45 minutes that the "service engine soon" light came on. No other issues, it ran perfectly as far as I could tell. After that 45 minute run I turned off the motor and disconnected the positive side of the batteries to store for the month.
Yesterday... I reconnected the positive side of the batteries and attempted to start for my monthly run. The motor cranks fine (very strong) but does not start. There is no smoke or smell during the start attempts. I noticed that the fuel gauge moves from below empty to about 1/8 when I turn the ignition on. Other than the "service engine soon" light everything else seems normal.
Here is what I have tried so far... First I researched the issue here, on other internet resources and I called an out of town friend who is a retired diesel mechanic. Although I do not believe that it ran out of fuel I added 10 gallons of diesel fuel to the tank (which puts the gauge over 1/4). I understand that gauges can be inaccurate but mine seems to be at least somewhat functional. I have cycled the injector pump several times by turning the ignition on. I can hear the pump come on and run for about 20-30 seconds and then it shuts off. I have fully charged the batteries and applied a jump box. I tried to hear/feel a click coming from what I believe is the fuel shutoff solenoid. I could not perceive any click or apparent movement on ignition/start.
The research I have done leads me to believe that it is most likely the fuel shutoff solenoid and/or the relay for the fuel shutoff solenoid. It could also be damage from squirrels. It could be that I missed a wire when installing the new batteries. It could be related to the "service engine soon" light. It could be something else entirely. I have checked all of these things to the best of my ability.
Although I do not believe the fuel system has "lost it's prime" bleeding the injectors is on my "try this" list. I will try that when I can enlist a second set of hands.
I think where I need the most help is on the fuel shutoff solenoid and relay. I would like to test/troubleshoot them but I cannot locate either for sure. I think my fuel shutoff solenoid is attached to the injector pump but it is not like most people describe it. People describe an external plunger that goes in and out and can be 'rigged' with a tie strap. It could be that mine is an internal type. Also I have read that Cummins did away with the solenoid and relay in 2004 and they have the ECM control the injectors to shut off fuel.
I will attempt to attach pictures of what I believe is the injector pump and fuel shutoff solenoid.
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions you can offer!
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Linear Mode
