Hi everyone. I have a new problem with my '99 HR endeavor that I need to get sorted out. I have a new problem that just started with the engine yesterday. So here goes...Got up to the fuel pump, shut it off and fueled up. Came back in to start it up and it usually cranks for about a second before starting. It cranked for about 5 seconds before it actually started. Weird.Thought really nothing of it until I got up to the lake. Pulled in, shut the engine down and five minutes later a better spot opened up so we wanted to move. Except for now the engine would just crank and crank without firing. So I tried several times cranking for maybe 30 seconds, give it a break for a few minutes and try it again. Still just cranks. I went to drain the fuel/water separator but only diesel came out, no water. Plus, the generator was running the whole time so I know it's not the fuel. Came back in, bumped the key a few times and nothing. So I turned the key on again, this time did not wait for all the warning lights to go out, and bam, it started.Fast forward to leaving the lake today...started just fine. Drove it home 30 miles and parked it to clean it out. An hour later, went to move it to dump the sewer and had the same problem twice more before I was able to park it in my building. So what gives? Has anyone had this problem? Could it be a fuel relay or solenoid? Acts like it's not getting any fuel.

There is probably a wire about a #10 or #12 Ga coming from a positive terminal of the cranking battery that goes to a solenoid for starting the engine. This wire has an inline fuse in it usually located close to the batteries. The inline fuse is not air or liquid tight and if it is to close to the batteries it will corrode and get crudded up from the batteries gassing during charge. This connection keeps getting dirtier and dirtier until it will start giving an intermittent engine cranking problem until it finally shuts things down permanently. If this is your problem; install a new wire and fuse further downstream from the battery.

Not sure when the ISB went electronic like the ISC did in 1998. If you have the p7100 injection pump the shut off solenoid gives trouble but you can manually move it. Have someone turn the key on while you watch, even helping it to move and it should start. $50 fix if that's what's wrong.

It has the bosch VP-44 injection pump.

My 2001 dodge 1 ton diesel had a starting problem. It stated fine when the engine was cold but after driving and the engine got hot it would turn over (crank) but not start. A diesel engine has to turn over to a certain RPM to start. One dealership told me it was weak batteries (I have 2ea). Replaced the batteries, same problem. Another shop told me the injector pump may be going bad. The shop that finally figured out the problem found the starter was dragging just enough to keep the necessary RPM from being achieved and starting. Replaced the starter and problem solved.

Before the shop that found the dragging starter (when hot) problem another shop had told me when you have the problem if you can pour water on the injector pump to cool it off. If it starts then, that points to the injector pump. You might "if you have time and want to" take a water spray bottle and crawl under and spray the starter to cool it down, then try it. Best way is to take it to someone who can test/measure the cranking RPM when it is hot.

'99 Cummins ISB Diesel engine won't start. | Good Sam Community

jwmII
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
There is probably a wire about a #10 or #12 Ga coming from a positive terminal of the cranking battery that goes to a solenoid for starting the engine. This wire has an inline fuse in it usually located close to the batteries. The inline fuse is not air or liquid tight and if it is to close to the batteries it will corrode and get crudded up from the batteries gassing during charge. This connection keeps getting dirtier and dirtier until it will start giving an intermittent engine cranking problem until it finally shuts things down permanently.

If this is your problem; install a new wire and fuse further downstream from the battery.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jun 27, 2015
Not sure when the ISB went electronic like the ISC did in 1998. If you have the p7100 injection pump the shut off solenoid gives trouble but you can manually move it. Have someone turn the key on while you watch, even helping it to move and it should start. $50 fix if that's what's wrong.
glamisorbust
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2015
It has the bosch VP-44 injection pump.
lc0338
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
My 2001 dodge 1 ton diesel had a starting problem. It stated fine when the engine was cold but after driving and the engine got hot it would turn over (crank) but not start. A diesel engine has to turn over to a certain RPM to start. One dealership told me it was weak batteries (I have 2ea). Replaced the batteries, same problem. Another shop told me the injector pump may be going bad. The shop that finally figured out the problem found the starter was dragging just enough to keep the necessary RPM from being achieved and starting. Replaced the starter and problem solved.
lc0338
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
Before the shop that found the dragging starter (when hot) problem another shop had told me when you have the problem if you can pour water on the injector pump to cool it off. If it starts then, that points to the injector pump. You might "if you have time and want to" take a water spray bottle and crawl under and spray the starter to cool it down, then try it. Best way is to take it to someone who can test/measure the cranking RPM when it is hot.
Vulcan_Rider
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015
First test the starting batteries and the connections to same.

Second, if this continues AND you can solve it by "immediate cranking" versus waiting for the "test" cycle to complete, be sure to mention that to the shop if you take it in. I have heard that problem before.....but alas don't remember the outcome.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015
Starter Solenoid. KISS is what they teach mechanics. Keep it simple.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/361051954177 See the 2 large posts. Next time it does it, take a lg screwdriver and touch it between the 2. If starter turns over ( you will get some sparks when you do it) it the solenoid.
Whaler
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015
Had the exact problem at 22000 miles with the same fuel pump. Many of those pumps were bad and were quietly replaced by Cummins only after a very rigorous test. That was my issue with the symtoms you described but don't ignore the other good advice.
Vulcan_Rider
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015
Passin Thru wrote:
Starter Solenoid. KISS is what they teach mechanics. Keep it simple.

That would be good advice except I think he reports that most of the time it will turn over but not fire. THAT kind of problem is NOT caused by a bad solenoid......most likely.

A fuel pressure test while it is failing should rule in/out the fuel pump.
glamisorbust
Explorer II
Jun 28, 2015
The starter turns the engine over. It's not a battery or starter problem. I believe the engine is not getting fuel. From everyone I have talked to and read online, it could be a bad fuel pump solenoid. I gotta do some investigating to find out what's really going on. Thanks everyone.

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'99 Cummins ISB Diesel engine won't start.

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