03 Dodge 1 ton won't start

[JWinningham]

Have an 03 Dodge Diesel 1 ton 6 speed. Spins over just fine but won't start!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Try loosening a couple of injector lines to check for fuel flow...

 

[SierraRam]

Any codes?

 

[Motorhead]

Cycle the key ON-OFF three times quickly leaving it in the run position the third time and then read the codes in the odometer window.

 

[cerberusiam]

Will it start if you plug it in?

Try some starting fluid and see if that will get it to fire and run.

 

[JJPage]

will it start if you plug it in?

Try some starting fluid and see if that will get it to fire and run.

ditto!!!!

 

[Bob4x4]

Try loosening a couple of injector lines to check for fuel flow...

That is not a good test on a common rail

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

That is not a good test on a common rail

Fuel doesn't flow to the injectors on a common rail?

I figured that at least verifying there IS fuel up to the injectors eliminates the pump and stuff between the injectors and fuel tank as the issue, other than specific fuel pressure...

 

[mwilson]

Fuel doesn't flow to the injectors on a common rail?



I figured that at least verifying there IS fuel up to the injectors eliminates the pump and stuff between the injectors and fuel tank as the issue, other than specific fuel pressure...

Extremely high pressure!!! Do not do it. Fuel escaping under that kind of pressure can blow a hole right through body parts.



Example of a hand injury while wearing leather gloves from high pressure hydraulic fluid (nowhere near the pressure that the fuel rail carries, BTW) and the oil got into the fatty tissue of the hand and forearm.



http://www.hydraulicsupermarket.com/injury.html



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Will it start if you plug it in?



Try some starting fluid and see if that will get it to fire and run.

AFTER disabling the glow plug relays, right???



Mike.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Extremely high pressure!!! Do not do it. Fuel escaping under that kind of pressure can blow a hole right through body parts.

Example of a hand injury while wearing leather gloves from high pressure hydraulic fluid (nowhere near the pressure that the fuel rail carries, BTW) and the oil got into the fatty tissue of the hand and forearm.

http://www.hydraulicsupermarket.com/injury.html

Mike.

You're correct that caution is needed when checking around high pressure diesel fuel lines - but that same consideration applies to other year/versions of diesels as well - it's not unique to the common rail systems...

 

[cerberusiam]

AFTER disabling the glow plug relays, right???

Glow plugs? On a DI engine? Shame!!! :-laf

Removing power to the relays would be an appropriate action.

However, giving it a whiff is usually just enough to start it and the relays are disabled during cranking anyway. With judicious use of starting aid there is usually not enough left in the intake stream to ignite by the time the heaters kick in. Once the engine fires it sucks a lot of air fast and the heaters are delayed in activating.

 

[cerberusiam]

Fuel doesn't flow to the injectors on a common rail?

It does but in so small amounts it is hard to tell unless you wipe your finger on it and that is a bad idea.

The inectors and lines on a CR are self bleeding, no need to ever crack those lines. If the engine doesn't fire it is becasue the ECU did not fire the injectors, it will not attempt to start until it has adequate rail pressure. Loosening a line will stop that from happening so it is a bit self defeating.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

It does but in so small amounts it is hard to tell unless you wipe your finger on it and that is a bad idea.

The inectors and lines on a CR are self bleeding, no need to ever crack those lines. If the engine doesn't fire it is becasue the ECU did not fire the injectors, it will not attempt to start until it has adequate rail pressure. Loosening a line will stop that from happening so it is a bit self defeating.

AH - that makes sense - thanks...

So what IS the accepted method to determine fuel is reaching the injectors?

 

[mwilson]

Glow plugs? On a DI engine? Shame!!! :-laf



Removing power to the relays would be an appropriate action.



However, giving it a whiff is usually just enough to start it and the relays are disabled during cranking anyway. With judicious use of starting aid there is usually not enough left in the intake stream to ignite by the time the heaters kick in. Once the engine fires it sucks a lot of air fast and the heaters are delayed in activating.

Busted, trying to do three things at once and failing..... ... ...



GRID HEATER... ... . or the little thingy that get hot and looks like a toasta'. .



Remember that I am dealing with intake heaters, grid heaters, glow plugs (Thermo King), glow pins (Espar heaters) and I get confusticated...



Early onset brain burn...



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

You're correct that caution is needed when checking around high pressure diesel fuel lines - but that same consideration applies to other year/versions of diesels as well - it's not unique to the common rail systems...

No, but I'll happily crack loose an injector line on a running CAT 3406B or my 12 Valve any day of the week.



On a Common Rail, no way. I just don't want anyone to ever think that is ok to do.



Mike.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

No, but I'll happily crack loose an injector line on a running CAT 3406B or my 12 Valve any day of the week.

On a Common Rail, no way. I don't want anyone to ever think that is ok to do.

Mike.

AGAIN, so what IS the recommended way to verify fuel is reaching the injectors, for the backyard mechanic?

 

[cerberusiam]

AGAIN, so what IS the recommended way to verify fuel is reaching the injectors, for the backyard mechanic?

Effectively, if you have fuel to the CP-3 inlet you have fuel to the injectors. One can easily crack the banjo bolt on the CP-3 inlet and determine if there is fuel there when the key is turned on and the LP running. No pressure there its a good bet not enough rail pressure to start. If there is fuel hit it with a whiff of starting fluid and see if t will take off and run. Beyond that, start testing returns form the components and looking at the FCA.

The whole system is built around having enough rail pressure to start, 2000-3000 psi, at 200 rpms cranking speed. Verifying that takes a scanner or gauge that can read the rail pressure sensor values. It is one big reason why good batteries and an adequate crank speed are important.

 

[mwilson]

AGAIN, so what IS the recommended way to verify fuel is reaching the injectors, for the backyard mechanic?

Can't go much further than what has already been offered without some electronic help. The block heater suggestion helps more than one would think, it tells you there is fuel present if it starts when warmed up. Sometimes then it is just a matter of tightening the injector fuel tubes.



A fuel rail pressure gauge would be a good addition for a DIY guy.



Mike.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

So CP-3 pump failures are pretty rare?

What would be the main symptom of a failed/failing CP-3?

Will low rail PSI set any error codes that can be seen?

Just looking for possible basics in trouble-shooting in situations like this thread presents - I have several friends with the later common-rail trucks...