94 IDI 7.3l non-turbo

[payne5757]

We recently got this truck at work back to running and ever since, it has slowly gotten harder and harder to start. It has very strong batteries and the glow plugs and relay are working. When an injector pump starts to go out isnt this what happens?? After we got the truck back to running after another problem it seemed really underpowered compared to a friend with a similar truck and it has slowly become harder and harder to start and now it just turns over. I dont have nearly as much experience with diesels as gas motors but everything seems to be pointing at the injector pump and I would like all u guys's opinions. BTW, it is getting fuel all the way to the schrader valve at the filter. thanks


p.s. If the injectors were firing, wouldnt exhaust smell like raw fuel in this mechanical motor because it only smells like soot and old burnt exhaust. I figured this would be like a flooded carb car and would reak. Please correct me if Im wrong

[SCUFFY828]

check base fuel pressure first at fuel filter housing and if it is between 5 and 7 lbs , replace injection pump, thats usually what it is

[payne5757]

What is the normal base fuel pressure??

[SCUFFY828]

should be 5-7 lbs of pressure

[Petri317]

After checking that pressure reading, if it is below 5-7PSI, I would replace the mechanical lift pump (a ~40 dollar part) before suspecting the Injection Pump (a 4-500 dollar part) is bad. The lack of adequate fuel caused by a failing lift or injection pump describes your symptoms to a tee.