97 TD hard to start. Please help!

[beauplays]

My 97 TD has intermitant starting proplem that is getting worse by the day. I turn key, wait for lights to go out and crank... no start. Sometimes I have to do this 5 or 6 times before it finally fires. Sometimes she goes on the first turn. But, not very often anymore. Any help would be great. thx

[a4stargen]

how does the truck run once it starts? if it runs rough when it finally starts you are probobly getting air into the fuel system. if it runs fine once it finally starts, try this. before you start the truck, barely lay your foot on the accelarator, just enough to raise the idle speed, then crank it. if it starts right up, you need to raise your idle speed just a little. I had a 98 TD that did the same thing and my problem was the idle speed adjustment.

[beauplays]

truck runs great once it starts. Idle speed is at factory specs. Any other ideas.... anybody, help

[theFREAKnasty82]

you could also have water in your lines.

[hot64goat]

Sounds like the starting grid may be bad. or solinoids, or wires to it are loose. Look on the intake you will see two heavy wires going to two terminals behind the tube for the air intake that is the starting heat grid take a test light and test each of the two terminals you should have a light when cranking or when you first turn key on if not the solinoids may be bad there are two located right close to the manifold on the fender apron just follow the heavy wires. If you have a light at grid disconnect the two wires put your test light wire to a positive terminal then touch each terminal it should light if it doesn't grid is bad.

[speedphreak]

Originally Posted by beauplays

My 97 TD has intermitant starting proplem that is getting worse by the day. I turn key, wait for lights to go out and crank... no start. Sometimes I have to do this 5 or 6 times before it finally fires. Sometimes she goes on the first turn. But, not very often anymore. Any help would be great. thx

Response:
Well the problem you having sounds like your fuel shut-off soleniod- this soleniod is located near the side of your bosch fuel pump on the engine.
the problem is when you turn the key the solenoid is supposed to retract and allow fuel to flow into the pump for startup and running. The soleniod is too weak and is loosing strength to retract the rod making it hard to start your engine- My suggestion is to check both your batteries for propper output and then go towards the source. the soleniod is discontinued you;ll have to buy a new version of this solenoid im talking about -the kit usually runs about 400 bucks out the door,but if your lucky you can find a used one and try it out .
I have the same exact year truck and have already gone through this problem . if u have any questions call my phone at 954 -554-8250