420D Startup Fuel Issue

[Long0]

Evening,
Cat 420DIT / BLN05998 / 7400+/-hrs
Im assuming I have a fuel issue at startup. Cold tractor immediately fires then stops running. Takes another 2-3 20sec cycles to fire again. Machine runs great after running.

I bought the tractor 4 years ago. It had shy of 7k hrs when purchased. Its been used mainly for moving snow. Full fluid service upon my receipt. Latest record I find is oil/fuel/air change at 10/26/22 — 7243hrs.

Problem became more evident throughout this winter. Longer and more cranking times to get running. I assumed bad lift pump and replaced the pump last weekend.

After lift pump was installed ran fine. That was Sunday the 30th. went to start tonight and I still have the same issue.
Leakdown somehow?
Check valve at pump?

Any help is appreciated

Andy

 

[heymccall]

Does the circled filter have the optional water bowl on it?

 

[Long0]

Water separator (no glass/plastic-it’s a sealed unit) as you indicate. Filter tractor north of that I believe.

 

[Long0]

Replaced the water separator and that appears to have solved my issue. Ill report back in a couple months to verify
Much appreciated.