Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 1-3 PSI upon Start/Turn of Key .....to 14-16PSI??

[Pacocha]

Hello,



I am new to the forum and need some advice.



I have a 2002 3500 4x4 5. 9 with about 65,000 miles and have an Edge to basically monitor fuel pressure (as recommended on this site). Since last fall the truck starts hard when cold and smokes quite a bit. My previous fuel pressure would read at least 14 PSI +/- upon turning the key. However, now it reads 1-3 PSI at turn of the key. After turning the engine over it ramps up to 14-16 PSI.



Can I assume that fuel pressure is "leaking" out when the engine is shut down? If so, is there a particular place I should look?



Thank you in advance!



Joe

 

[fox]

When you turn the key to on, it bumps the pump to purge it of air.

turn it to on, then just a little farther to bump the starter. It should run for 30 seconds or so. This will show normal fuel pressure.



Now the hard start, cycle the key off-on three times, read the codes in the odo window.

 

[Pacocha]

Thanks Fox!



I checked earlier today for codes and there are none.



Actually, the truck is getting rear brakes right now and I cannot try to bump the starter to see what the fuel pressuer is - as you specifed. I will do it early next week.



If I took a guess, the pressure would build to 14-16 psi. upon the starter turning. It's just that I do recall a time when the fuel pressure always held stable at 14-16 psi even during the process of turning the key to allow the glow plugs to warm (as an example).



Are there any particular areas that I can check to see if there is a fuel pressure leak once the truck is shut down and before re-start?



Thank you!



Joe