01 Hard to start "at times"

[Cummins12V98]

As pictured with tank full truck starts normally. As the tank gets lower it takes longer and longer to fire off. 1/4 tank can turn over up to 5 seconds before firing.

Thoughts???

 

[NIsaacs]

I think the front is too high, fuel is draining back to the tank

Generally a hard start with low fuel is an air leak in the fuel system somewhere. They can be hard to find. Fuel canister or drain valve, return line connection at the rear of the head. I get one once in a while on an overnight low fuel start. I am changing the injectors and connector tubes when they get off back order. With 315K on the injectors that is my first clue. I did install a new drain valve, that seemed to help a lot. Very rare hard start now even low on fuel.

He is parked up hill too. Have him park down hill and see if that helps. It probably will. Is his lift pump good? Any codes?

 

[Chief USA]

Take a look here under cold and hot hard start. This may help diagnose. You should be able to do the key trip and check for codes. This is always a good place to start.

https://www.bluechipdiesel.com/troubleshooting-quick-reference

 

[Joe Mc]

I thought tank draw/pickup is in the middle. Try parking on level ground. Truck does look higher in front than rear though...

 

[Cummins12V98]

Starts perfectly fine on "level" ground no matter how much fuel in on board.

I actually ran out on a sloped boat launch idling with 1/3 tank. Possibly a bit more steep than pictured.

Truck runs fine se soon as it starts.

Original VP with around 140k, original owner installed AirDog filtration/lift pump at well under 100k.

I know this sounds dumb but I have never learned how to read codes.

Truck sets like this every night as I don't disconnect from Boat when Fishing, Crabbing or Shrimping is HOT.

 

[Chief USA]

How to Read Dodge Truck Check Engine Codes Without a Scan Tool

 

[gsbrockman]

Starts perfectly fine on "level" ground no matter how much fuel in on board.

I actually ran out on a sloped boat launch idling with 1/3 tank. Possibly a bit more steep than pictured.

Truck runs fine se soon as it starts.

Original VP with around 140k, original owner installed AirDog filtration/lift pump at well under 100k.

I know this sounds dumb but I have never learned how to read codes.

Truck sets like this every night as I don't disconnect from Boat when Fishing, Crabbing or Shrimping is HOT.

Next time, turn the key forward, without starting, let the lift pump cycle, then turn off, and repeat once more. If that eliminates the problem, I’ll be in agreement with @NIsaacs that you have an air leak.

 

[AH64ID]

What kind of pickup is used in the tank after the AD install?

 

[Joe Mc]

On mine, probably around summer 03, I was having similar issues, my driveway is about 6 or 7°, would happen whether nose or ass in. I found a moist spot on supply line elbow top of tank module (using mirror and flashlight). Using a scotch bright pad I cleaned the elbow revealing a pin hole. BINGO. I installed a Vulcan Draw straw and shortly thereafter a big line kit, walbro pump & filters on frame and eliminated the stock filter installing a GM style fuel pump block off plate on block. Once again BINGO. Not saying this is your problem, but taking a look at this area is free. Easiest to squeeze up and in at driveshaft to look. Also, if you go with draw straw, easiest install is drop the tank. Hope this helps.

 

[NIsaacs]

A little off topic but still applies. Parking on a hill is not a good practice, never mind fuel issues. Too many things can go wrong, even if it is a "what if". Find a level spot, walking is good for anyone.....

 

[SnoKing]

Just turning the key on only runs the lift pump for 3 seconds. Bumping the starter runs it for 27 seconds. So bump the starter once or twice before starting and see if it then starts. A Vulcan draw straw and now hoses. Check of the fuel lines carefully. I had a lot of trouble with the draw valve sealing correctly. What is the fuel pressure running at?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Tank is near full so once the weather gets better I will tow the boat then next am check it out with the key cycle/bump start methods.

That is where I have to park my Boat so sloped parking at my place is where it's at.

 

[SnoKing]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Tank is near full so once the weather gets better I will tow the boat then next am check it out with the key cycle/bump start methods.

That is where I have to park my Boat so sloped parking at my place is where it's at.

And you do have a fuel pressure gauge, right? No 24V should be driven around the block without one.

 

[DavidC]

Someone else here had a problem with hard starts and I believe a draw straw. I think the final was the tube broke off halfway or so.

 

[Cummins12V98]

And you do have a fuel pressure gauge, right? No 24V should be driven around the block without one.

NOPE, figure since it has the AD it will be fine til it isn’t. I will cross that road if it happens.
Only upgrade I have done is new Bosch 275’s.
Pulls my 7k Boat nearly every day during the Summer well.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Someone else here had a problem with hard starts and I believe a draw straw. I think the final was the tube broke off halfway or so.

so when the AD system is installed there is a draw straw as part of the installation?

 

[AH64ID]

so when the AD system is installed there is a draw straw as part of the installation?

It depends. There are several different ways, the draw straw is just one.

A modified OE fuel canister is a much better option, IMO.

 

[DavidC]

so when the AD system is installed there is a draw straw as part of the installation?

I would not think so but it was a hot item at one time. Do you have the stock module in the tank ?

 

[NIsaacs]

NOPE, figure since it has the AD it will be fine til it isn’t. I will cross that road if it happens.
Only upgrade I have done is new Bosch 275’s.
Pulls my 7k Boat nearly every day during the Summer well.

Yup, mine was 14 years old before I added a pressure gauge, still on oem ve pump.

 

[SnoKing]

NOPE, figure since it has the AD it will be fine til it isn’t. I will cross that road if it happens.
Only upgrade I have done is new Bosch 275’s.
Pulls my 7k Boat nearly every day during the Summer well.

Well a replacement VP-44 is only a little over 1K, so no big deal to spend 150 bucks for a fuel gauge!