Please Help!!!!!!!!!!

[MDTyree]

I got in my truck after work and it was a little hard to start. I wasn't to concerned at the time but on my way home it acted like it was starving for fuel one time. Then went out Chrismas shopping and it is getting harder to start everytime I stop and cut the truck off, and it is acting like it is running out of fuel more and more. So now I am at home scared to go out. What could it be?

 

[lmills]

first check for fuel pressure, then change filter. those are the best places to start. What year truck is it?

 

[04 Diesel Power]

Any codes? Lift pump.

 

[MDTyree]

I forgot to mention anything about my truck.



04HO 2500 quadcab 4x4 auto Banks six-gun with speed loader 4" turbo back exhaust, s&b cold air intake. It has 110,000 miles on it. I bought it used from a reputable dealer at the beginning of the year. No problems until now.



I run the six-gun on 2 or 3 running it normal driving.

 

[MDTyree]

I don't have any way of checking the fuel pressure. How do I do that? I'm fairly new to the diesel world.



My check engine light is not coming on.

 

[jelag]

We had problems with our 04... . after 2 lift pumps... we put the pump in the tank and have had no other problems.....

hope this helps. .

 

[MDTyree]

I just pulled my fuel filter and it was very black. Could that be the problem? If so what would be the best filter to get for a factory set up?

 

[John - K5AWO]

Just go to an auto parts store and pick up a recommended replacement. IMO it should not be a FRAM though. The Mobile One cartridges have been good for me so far.

 

[lmills]

always try changing the filter first! I would do myself a favor also and get a fuel pressure gauge for cheap insurance, just for situations like this. Usually in this situation it is either the lift pump or fuel filter. With a gauge, you can at least rule out the pump.

 

[MDTyree]

Were can I get a fuel pressure gauge? And how do I use it?



P. S. I really do appreciate the info.

 

[lmills]

you can either get a cheapo guage at the auto parts store and plumb it temporarily to spot check the pressures in situations like this, or you can buy one from a vendor that plumbs into the system at one of numerous spots and it stays in your truck at all times mounted in either a pod or gauge mount. I typically like to check my pressure right at the CP3(high pressure injection pump) that way I know I am getting an adequate flow to the high pressure pump.

 

[lmills]

MDTyree, where are you located? you may be able to get a local member to help you out on checking the pressure. We look out for each other on this board.

 

[MDTyree]

I'm am located in madison heights va.

 

[lmills]

wow, quite a ways for me LOL. hey guys, is anyone around the Lynchburg area that could help?!?!?

 

[WMcGuire]

First get your owners manual and read about maintenance procedures, first what is your ambient temperature, if real cold you may need some cetane booster, second check for water in the filter, third replace the fuel filter, if none of those things don't help head for the nearest Dodge shop or a qualified Cummins repair facility as the lift pump is way beyond your expertise level

 

[lmills]

thats not true at all. If the lift pump has failed, there are plenty of kits out there that he could install to take care of the problem. And they would take care of it a lot cheaper than the dealer will "if" he is out of warranty. If the truck is still covered, I would take it in to them though and let them pay for the repair.

 

[MDTyree]

thats not true at all. If the lift pump has failed, there are plenty of kits out there that he could install to take care of the problem. And they would take care of it a lot cheaper than the dealer will "if" he is out of warranty. If the truck is still covered, I would take it in to them though and let them pay for the repair.

The truck is out of warranty. I installed a fuel filter this morning and I have gone through the priming procedure a few times and the truck will not start. Any tips on priming the engine, or any other ideas?



Thanks,

Mike

 

[lmills]

The truck should self prime if the pump is running. Follow the fuel line that goes from the bottom of the fuel filter housing up to the CP3 pump. Where that line enters the pump, there is a banjo bolt. Try loosening the bolt a couple turns. Once it is loose, bump the starter and the lift pump should run for about 30 seconds. In this time, fuel should purge out this fitting.

Like I mentioned though, there should be no need to purge fuel on this type of system.

 

[MDTyree]

Imills,

I got my truck started after about 5 tries. After I got it started and it ran for about 5 min. I took it up the road and,Something else is wrong because I still have the same symptoms. Can it be early signs of lift pump failure or is it something more serious? I checked for codes and the only thing that came up was (done).



Thanks for all your help.

Mike

 

[MDTyree]

lmills, sorry I spelled it wrong.