Started out this morning from St Louis to get back home, about 100 miles. First thing, the motor cranked really well, but never would start. Primed it with either and off we go. Was hoping it was an anomaly, but now that I am home I tried it again and same thing... cranks really well but won't start, even after traveling a 100 miles. So I had to use either again to get it started. Any idea what can be wrong?

Fred & Cindy Cook
1990 32' Regency, Cummins

If you have glow plugs, I'd check the controller...but, IIRC, C8.3s don't have them. If you have glow plugs, DO NOT use ether.

Rusty
I have the CTA 8.3 Cummins. Not sure if it has glow plugs. Just seems really weird how it cranks so fast and does not start. Never had the problem before.

Fred & Cindy Cook
1990 32' Regency, Cummins

Appreciate the advice but I guess bottom-line, is there anything I can do to fix it myself? Or do I need to take it somewhere to get it fixed?

Fred & Cindy Cook
1990 32' Regency, Cummins

Do you have the bosch injector pump ? Does it have a little manual pump on it ?....

.seems like you might be losing prime....sucking air through leak in inlet fuel line or bad check valve allowing fuel to drain back....

.plugged fuel tank vent line can cause vacuum in tank.....do you hear sucking noise when you remove fuel cap ?....

:-) I believe cummins cta 8.3 engines might have an air inlet grid heater instead of glow plugs.....

IT SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL CHECK VALVE IS LEAKING AND LOOSING PRIME. YOU CAN TAKE THE FUEL FILTER OFF TO SEE IF IT IS FULL. IF IT IS NOT, IT IS EITHER THE FUEL FILTER GASKET OR THE O RING GASKET ON THE SHAFT THAT THE FILTER SCREWS ONTO OR THE CHECK VALVE ALLOWING FUEL TO DRAIN BACK OUT OF THE FILTER.

Problem is solved! Cut off solenoid was not retracting to allow fuel flow. Moved it by hand and it starts right up. Will replace it next couple days. Thanks to all for your responses.

Fred & Cindy Cook
1990 32' Regency, Cummins

The dreaded "Cut off Selenoid" Never leave home without a coat hanger.
Jim