My 97 dodge 12 valve diesel isnt starting as easy as it used to and has been smoking white

Question

I have to use the throttle to start it and it cackles when it starts, and somtimes dies out and i will have to start it pedal to the floor, it has the pump turned up 6inch stacks and cold air intake and it seems to smoke less deep black smoke and now kind of grey, used a fuel conditioner and just changed fuel filter notice no leaks in the lines can somone give me some pointers

Answer 1

How long since you have cleaned or replaced the injectors?  

Answer 2

IT MAY NEED A NEW BATERY

Answer 3

try the map sensor. one of my cars in the past done that to me , and it was a quick 40 dollar fix.

Answer 4

Pay attention to HOW the truck runs. If you're getting some miss firing or surges it may be time for a pump and nozzles(OUCH). That's a worst case deal. Try the Stanadyne pump conditioner. I've seen that stuff work wonders, and it's cheeper than a pump. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

omg! the answers you get here!....you need to replace the fuel pump (in tank pump) and its a common practice to set valves. white smoke is a "lean condition" probably not enough fuel pressure.

Answer 6

How many miles are on the engine? It sounds like you may be burning oil.

Also, you could a new head gasket. There may be water getting into the cylinders. To check for this, check your radiator level. Start the engine and remove the radiator cap. If you see a lot of bubbles in the coolant and if coolant blows out of the radiator, it could well be a blown head gasket. Pull out the dipstick when the engine is cold and not running. If the oil is gray, there is definitely water in the oil. This could be from a cracked block.

Check your injectors. They may be plugged up. Many unknowlegeable people drive a diesel like a gasoline engine. This is the wrong way to do it. Starting the engine, driving a short distance and shutting the engine off is improper. A diesel should be warmed up and driven for a while to heat up. They are made for the long run, not start, go a little ways and shut off. This fouls the injectors.

The engine in your truck is a very common engine used in a wide variety of machinery so, if you need parts, they are readily available.  

Answer 7

when is the last time you had the glow plugs replaced. i can guarantee you that is the problem. they may not all be bad but you may have more that one that is and that is what would cause what you are talking about with the starting

Answer 8

Have you checked your glow plugs, or glow plug regulator?