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Dj Michaels · 01-25-2013, 11:31 PM

I have a 275 Cummins Diesel and when I try to start the engine cold it drags as it turns over. It’s not cranking at a fast enough speed to start the engine. When it does start and I run it for awhile and shut it off then come back it will start even though I feel it should be turning over faster. It mimics a bad or low battery. I just had the alternator and belts replaced and I’ve put the chassis batteries on charge and they both topped out in less than 10 min. meaning it isn’t the new batteries I put in. AT this point I’m thinking Starter needs to be replaced. Any suggestions on how to check the starter without taking it off and having it checked? If I turn on the engine heater will that warm the engine enough to make cranking more likely? It gets to be worse in this cold weather. North Mississippi area. 55,000 Miles on engine.
Dj Michaels

onechaddude · 01-26-2013, 06:32 AM

When the oil is real thick it certainly causes more drag on the starter. What weight oil are you running? Thicker oil is even harder yet. Tty plugging it in and give it 24 hrs to warm up the oil and then try starting it. Could be a weak starter from age coupled with thick oil your problem.
Chad

PandK · 01-26-2013, 06:39 AM

Another thing to check before replacing the starter is the electrical connections. Both at the battery and starter. I just cleaned mine and there is a significant change in how quickly the engine turns over. Mine is the 350HP version but cranks and starts fine at 30 deg or so.

H. Miller · 01-26-2013, 06:52 AM

Sounds like corrosion in the battery cables or starter cables. Maybe even bad connectors IN the starter solenoid. You could check "static" voltages but without a load (starter turning) they would probably read 12 VDC and just confuse the issue.
I would make some extensions to a voltmeters wires with alligator clips on the ends ... Connect to the output side of the solenoid (short wire going to the starter) and ground on the engine which will bypass all the ground cables. Read the voltage while someone cranks the engine. Extensions not req'd with jack stands but I'm not much into crawling under a spinning motor..
Voltage might be a little less than 12 VDC but certainly not 6-8 volts...

Wizard · 01-26-2013, 08:06 AM

Mine was sluggish, I think only 2 or three bolts was holding it in and was easy to get to. Removed it and took to local starter,alternator shop. The rebuilt starter and solenoid for less than $100. Really works great now. only about 2 hours of my time.

MartinP · 01-26-2013, 09:07 AM

X2 On the battery and starter lead conections. Have experienced this myself. Also as stated above look for any signs of corrosion where the leads are crimped into the terminals. Yes it could be a faulty starter or stater relay. If you are handy with tools you can always remove the starter and check the brushes wear and commutator for contamination.

Martin

Happy RVer · 01-26-2013, 06:40 PM

I have a ISB 275 Cummins and my starter was doing the same thing so I took to a local shop and had them rebuild the whole thing $250.00 and now all fixed and works great .

Happy Rving

R2Home · 01-27-2013, 11:34 AM

The starter in the 5.9/6.7 class Cummins are real easy to get to. To me they are about the easiest ones there is to work on. I recently did the starter on my 5.9 and other then my time it cost me about $40.00.
If everyother thing checked out OK then it is time to pull the starter. The only tough part is getting a wrench on the top 12 point 10mm bolt. Not enough room for a socket and the wrench need to be on the short side.

Dj Michaels · 01-30-2013, 10:45 PM

I'm sorry for not getting back to everyone sooner who has given me some good advise. Sinus problems had me down for awhile. I cleaned all the battery cables, starter cables and topped off the batteries and no change. The Oil I use is the 15 weight for diesels. I do have an ace in the hole though and that is my nephew is a diesel mechanic for cummins and he will be out this week end to help me out. Again thanks for all your suggestions and I will have them ready for him to read should he have some difficulty in solving my problem. Have a GREAT DAY Dj Michaels

lonestarace · 02-01-2013, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dj Michaels

I have a 275 Cummins Diesel and when I try to start the engine cold it drags as it turns over. It’s not cranking at a fast enough speed to start the engine. Dj Michaels

Maybe the chassis battery(s) are getting old and no longer have much "capacity". Have them/it tested for capacity. And yes a block heater is a good thing in cold wx.