Cummins Idle's slow w/cold

I have a "94" Dodge 2500 with the cummins. For some reason I have started having trouble with it Idling when it is cold but after it has run a little the rpm's pick up to normal I think. Around 500 on the tack in the dash. This has just started. Always did Idle the same cold or not at about the 500 mark. Start's good though just runs to slow for a while.

It's normal for a diesel. Just give it time to warm up, the roughest thing you can do is be rough on it while its cold! If its below freezing over night hook up the block heater and that will solve probably most of you cold start up problem. If its above freezing and its idleing low look on the top side of your drivers side sun visor. Mine say's to start the truck and hold it @ 1000RPM's for 30 seconds and then let it idle. When its not cold enough to hook up the block heater, but still cold enough for it to idle low in the mornings I do that and then let it sit for 10-15 minutes (like I do every morning) and its usually good to go from there![img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Thanks! but what I don't understand is after 118,000 miles it has just started to do this. Always idled same cold or hot.

with that many miles, do you still have the original batteries in it? If so, the batteries could be getting weak while the grid heaters are on. It will put a strain on the engine if they are weak and the charging system is working extra hard. On my 24 valve, the grid heaters pull enough juice from a fresh battery to make the headlights dim while the truck is running. Might be worth checking out.

have you checked out TDR Website Forums?

While its idleing slow try picking up on the shutdown solenoid with your fingers and see if it speeds up any.Mine was hanging up.I just had to change one on my 95 CTD.It was trashed.Boot was rotten and plunger swivel rusted out.Not Cheap $$$ Check out the TDR site.

1986 Xtracab 4X4

I disagree with Shotgun. Do not let your diesel engine run for 10-15 minutes when first starting on a cold morning. Doing so will cause an extreme amount of blow by and premature fowling of the injectors. And you will also find yourself changing your oil more often. You want to warm the engine up as quickly and gently as possible. Let it idle for about two minutes, then drive it patiently until the temp rises above 140.