Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard start...

[GBrock]

My 01 3500 always started on the first try until a few weeks ago.

She suddenly started to hesitate. We had a bit of cold weather by Southern standards so I just attributed it to the cold.



When I changed my fuel filter it was almost black... this was my first filter change since I bought this used truck (prev. ebay owner obviously lied about changing the fuel filter). I'm getting better mileage now and the PSI on my guage is running between 12-14 at idle so all seems well (PSI was 8-10). But, still, when I go to start after she's been sitting for a few hours, or overnight, it takes 2-3 cranks to get the the motor up and running.



Any ideas?



Is my VP44 going bad? Life pump going bad? Just want to make sure I get proactive about this before I get stuck somewhere.



Thx in advance for the help.

 

[GBrock]

Anybody???

 

[Cummins724]

Is the engine cranking over slower than normal... . like a battery is getting weak?

 

[GBrock]

Engine cranks normal, just won't start until 3rd try. Batteries are only 4 months old.

 

[Bobalos]

does it take any longer for the "wait to start" light to go out?



bob

 

[GBrock]

Nope... Wait to start light stays on normal amount of time. I do wait for that light to go out before I start... but she still takes 2, usually 3, tries to get started. Once started and warmed up though, she runs and starts normally.

 

[KKohagen]

Nope... Wait to start light stays on normal amount of time. I do wait for that light to go out before I start... but she still takes 2, usually 3, tries to get started. Once started and warmed up though, she runs and starts normally.

It almost sounds like the lift pump is losing its prime. Search the forums regarding this. I can't remember right off hand the fix, short of going to the Vulcan big line kit, FASS, etc... Hope this helps to steer in the right direction.