Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 1998 24 valve slow to start or will not start

[roundabout]

I have a 1998.5 3500 Ram, 4X4. (240,000 miles) Starting last month it would be slow to start. In he last couple of days it has been taking several tries to start. Today after running it for several miles it would not even attempt to start. After letting it set for several hours it did start after 2 attempts at cranking it over. Last fall the truck started hard after setting. I found a crack in the fuel filter top. I replaced the original unit with an after market unit, and life went back to normal, with the truck starting al most as soon as the starter turned it over. The situaltion as of now is it might start after a couple of turns or start after several attmepts. Once the truck is started it runs perfectly. No missing, excelleration is excellent. Idle is good. I checked for any problems with the fuel lines and filter, could locate no place that air could get in. The lift pump shows 13PSI at idle and drops down to 9 t 10 PSI on load. Other than the fuel filter being changed and the injectors several years ago. The truck is as it came from the factory. There are no codes set. The fuel filter was changed last month. The batteries have been checked with load testors with both good. The starter as far as I can tell is turning as fast as it ever did. Any ideas as to what may be causing this particular problem.In case I am unable to resolve this issue can any one recommend a good shop in the Punta Gorda Fl area.

 

[phantomusa]

Sounds like your sucking air someplace in your fuel system
I had that problem with my 2002 I found #4 injector line was bad after replacing it everything was good again

 

[DavidC]

Does the lift pump cycle at every attempt ?. Bump the starter and watch the fuel pressure, does it instantly start building ?, Another item could be the overflow valve on the VP which is an easy fix with a replacement. Another item I have heard/read is the in tank module having cracks etc. on the pickup and/or return causing fuel to drain back into the tank. There have also been reports of the 90 degree module fitting on the top with a crack/rust. The problem with all of this is there are so many places that can let air in it is a pain trying to find. There are numerous banjo washers, the T fitting near the back of the head, O rings on the injector tubes a leaky pintle on injector. It goes on and on.

Dave

 

[phantomusa]

If you use a sight glass installed between filter and injector pump you should be able to see if theirs air in system between glass and tank
Many diesel shops will have a sight glass most backyard mechanics dont have this tool

 

[roundabout]

Will try to check on items mentioned today. Have not had time. Thanks for the ideas

 

[Missouri Mule]

Gregg's Automotive Mon-




Fri, 8 am to 5 pm 236 Tamia trail, Punta Gorda FL. 33950 Had 5 stars. You google or web site. www.greggsauto.net (941)575-8868. In the mean time i will re-read your post. You say your starting is turning fast (normal speed). Is this even when engine is hard to start?

 

[Missouri Mule]

Gregg's Automotive Mon-




Fri, 8 am to 5 pm 236 Tamia trail, Punta Gorda FL. 33950 Had 5 stars. You google or web site. www.greggsauto.net (941)575-8868. In the mean time i will re-read your post. You say your starting is turning fast (normal speed). Is this even when engine is hard to start?

 

[Missouri Mule]

Did the hard starting start some time after filter change or did you change filter because of hard starting? If after it could be sucking air or a you have big of dirt/trash blocking the fuel from thru the filter. I have had mine engine stumble several times at idle over the last 5-6. years. Usaully changing the filter solved the problem. The last 2 times it would act up in 3rd gear ( the first time I babied the pedal, then changed the filter. The 2nd time it was doing this when I shifted to 3rd I pressed down on the go pedal. Apparently pressing down it got the piece of dirt into the filter area and every thing has been fine so far.)

 

[roundabout]

I want to thank everyone for there suggestions. With the help of a friend who has much more experience that I, it appears the injector pump has failed. Will be replacing shortlhy. Having checked all the lines, etc, a clear line between the fuel filter and the pump shows that the fuel starts rumming back after shutting off the engine. Also very poor fuel supply too the injector lines. Thanks again for your assistance.