Trouble starting Peterbilt

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by CaliTrucker2, May 5, 2025 at 8:23 PM.

  1. CaliTrucker2

    CaliTrucker2 Bobtail Member

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    I have a 2019 Peterbilt 389 with a Cummins ISX engine and 282,000 miles. I have been having trouble intermittently starting the truck in the morning. It doesn't happen every day, but when it does, the truck will turn over and run for a brief minute or two, then start to shake before dying. I will do this about 30 times before I hear a whoosh sound, and the truck will stay running. There will be no other problems the rest of the day. I replaced the crankshaft sensor because it was bad. I am beginning to think that there is air in the fuel system. I have checked the fuel tank vents, and they are not clogged. I've checked the fuel filter and looked for any leaks and haven't found any. Coincidence? The problem began right after the shop changed the oil in the truck. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar situation and what it was.
     
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  3. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Likely a fuel filter/water seperator O ring damaged.

    Can you post a pic of the filter/housing?
     
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  4. CaliTrucker2

    CaliTrucker2 Bobtail Member

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    [​IMG]

    I don't know how to attach a picture. But I just now looked at it and everything looks normal.
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2025 at 8:49 PM
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  5. CaliTrucker2

    CaliTrucker2 Bobtail Member

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    Sorry I can't figure out how to attach the picture. But it looks normal.
     

    Attached Files:

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  6. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Looks normal, but I would be pulling that bowl and checking that O ring, and make sure the nut is tight.

    If it 100% didn't start this until serviced, always start with the last things touched.

    Did you pick up the fuel filters for them?

    To me, a greasy Carquest fuel filter doesn't give me confidence these were professionals.
     
  7. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Definitely would double check the o-ring on the filter. I've been burnt by that in the past.
     
  8. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    If it happened after oil/filter change... maybe air in the system... if u have a 2350 isx there is 2 compucheck valves right on the primary filter . You can prime the air from the system using these... don't remember what fitting goes on there. I had a truck stop mechanic get so much air in the system after a fuel filter change it was missing so bad it wouldn't even idle... I lugged it to peterbilt across the street and they pulled an incredible amount of air out of the system and it was good as new... they had a special fitting to connect though..

    This picture is of an x15 but it's the same concept. Pull that cover off and there's a nipple to connect to and you can pull prime thru there. If u can find the correct fitting all u would need to do is connect it to the compucheck valve and cycle the key a half dozen times , have a bucket to catch the fuel

    Screenshot_20250505_202522_Gallery.jpg
     
  9. Alan50

    Alan50 Bobtail Member

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  10. Alan50

    Alan50 Bobtail Member

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    I’m not too familiar with isx I run a celect plus. If these have a check valve remove and clean. I had the same problem. Sometimes would stay running but most of the time I had to keep foot on pedal to start. Always had to start at least twice before it keeped running. Could also a vacuum leak on air to air or leak in your supply fuel line that you can’t see. Check valve sounds more like it though. Hope this helped. Good luck driver
     
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