Cummins N14 Celect Plus Hard Start Issue

Hello, I have read a lot of posts about the N14 having a hard start issue. I have an N14 Celect plus and have to crank on it for 30 seconds + to start it. In this cold weather it kills the battery before starting. This problem has gone on for a long time with this truck but seems to have gotten worse.

I took appart the check valve on the cooler plate and cleaned it up. I blew air through the cooler plate and found no obstructions. Check valve on cooler plate seems to be working correctly.

Kenworth had a smaller check valve but I'm not sure where it goes. Is there a second check valve?

Looking for someone who can help walk me through troubleshooting. Thank you!!!

 

Here is the smaller check valve

 

Thank you! No sputtering or smoke. Once it builds pressure I fires right up. Runs and no stalling or anything.

Do you know the best place to tap to check fuel pressure?

 

Yes, I think this port on the rear of the pump is probably where you’re talking about. I’ll see if I can figure out my fuel pressure tomorrow. Maybe get have to get a gauge from somewhere.

I’m guessing I have either a check valve I’m missing, a leak or obstruction in a hose somewhere, or pump that’s going bad.

 

Yes I've run the block heater all night and still won't start in the morning. If I shoot some starting fluid in then it fires up.

I have Red Baldwin filter on. I have a spare Donaldson. Maybe I should give that a shot.

 

I'll try the Donaldson tomorrow. Thats a good tip on the o-ring and checking the block heater. It feels warm to the touch but I have a laser thermometer. Its been slow with all the snow were getting. I do dump work. Hoping to get things fixed up while I have time.

This truck has always taken a while to start but not to the point of not starting in the cold. I see someone has put some type of putty on some of the fuel line joints. Makes me think someone was chasing fuel leaks before. I read forums of people saying they ran an inline filter between the tank and fuel cooler plate. Theres no filter before the check valve. I'm wondering if something like an air dog inline pump/filter would be a good solution.