5.9 wont start

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HillBilly_12v

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1994
Engine
5.9L
So, I have a new to me 94 12 valve, with only 148k miles, that my father in law gave me. I have never worked on a diesel, and I don't know where to go after bleeding the fuel lines.

In a gasser I would check to make sure I'm getting spark, but that won't help me here.

What should I check next?
 

01_Cummins_4x4

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Athena
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2001 RAM 2500 QCLB Laramie SLT 4x4
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Cummins
How long are you cranking it over?

Sometimes it will take 2 or more sessions of long cranking times to get it to start running and smooth out once the fuel pressure is built back up from the pump to the injectors.

Sometimes a little shot of ether will allow it to run long enough so that it will build up fuel pressure and run on its own.
 
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HillBilly_12v

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I was afraid it would over rev if I used ether.
I've let it crank for over 30sec multiple times, so much so that I've had to recharge the batteries a couple of times. I just found 2 wires with bad connections on the battery last night. I'm going to replace them today, and try again.
 
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HillBilly_12v

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Update: I replaced the 2 wires, that had broken ⅜ bolt-hole crimp connectors, that routed to the positive connection on the battery. After I waited for the "wait to start" light to go out, it fired right up without even making a full revolution.

Now I want to know what the wires were, any clues? One blue, and one a dirty burnt orange color...
 

01_Cummins_4x4

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2001 RAM 2500 QCLB Laramie SLT 4x4
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Cummins
Try to trace where those wires go and terminate at.

It's hard to know if someone has changed some of the wiring from what it came with from the factory.
 
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