Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 1998.5 hard starting today

[Steve Robinson]

Just this morning my 1998. 5 did not start as usual. I had to grind the starter just a bit longer than usual to get the engine started. I have between 12 to 14 lbs of fuel pressure and this the 4th vp44 on the engine. Usually just a touch of the key and it starts. No "check engine" light, runs fine, can't really calculate mileage very easily. About 126k total miles on truck, without digging through records I don't know how many miles on injection pump. I have started the truck a half dozen times today and it has definitely become hard to start. Does this sound like I am about to buy another vp44? I am in So. CA any recommended sources for a rebuilt? How about an installer? Any help much appreciated.

 

[JAde]

I also have a 1998. 5 with starting issues. There are times that the "wait" light will not come on when I know it should. Other times I don't see a rise in fuel pressure when I turn the key to "on". I'm at 188k. 3rd injector jump, 3rd lift pump. The last set gave out in just 5k miles. It was 2 years old and not covered by a warranty. The shop was kind enough not to charge labor (Action Turbo in Santee, CA). Is there a sensor or relay that controls the Glow plug and lift pump curcuit?

 

[Steve Robinson]

My fuel pressure is everyday normal, the problem here is it has suddenly become difficult to start much like when injection pump no. 1 went out. My best hunch is the injection pump is about to go south again. What do you think?

 

[Missouri Mule]

Are you getting air into your system?

Is your starter turning fast enough? Starterproblems? Battery/electrical problems?

 

[Steve Robinson]

Thanks for the input Bill, the batteries are not 1 year old, clean terminals, no other existing problems with the truck at the present time except the sudden starting difficulties. Normally a touch of the key and it starts but as of yesterday, it has to crank for a while. No idea how fast the starter is supposed to turn, never had to crank it like this before, but it seems to spin OK. I am just afraid that another injection pump is in the near future. Hard starting was a symptom before when it went out. Only thing, in the past I have also had a "check engine" light along with the hard starting but not this time. I don't know if I want to just wait until it just won't start, or I get an engine light, or to just bite the bullet and order a replacement pump and get it over with. I have no idea if the dealer can get a code from it but at the same time giving the dealer $100 on a chance kind-of bums me as well. What to do huh?

 

[Missouri Mule]

It seems to me the 24 valves have rubber rerurn fuel line hooking up to a metal line behind the engine. I would change that return fuel hose and any other rubber fuel hose on the truck. Marine rated hose for diesel is the way to go. LarryB's has the hose not sure what size you would need.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Thanks for the heads-up on the rubber lines. I will look into them. I have a 60 gal after market fuel tank and on installation the fuel line rubbed against the corner of the new tank resulting in a pin hole. After installing a new line, I also covered that spot with a short section of hose to help protect it. Perhaps the vibration has worn through again. Thanks again.

 

[Turbo Terry]

I will add to this post by saying I have a 99 that has a rasp and stock lp new batterys and larry b contacts in the starter. It always started right away now it (stumble starts). it likes for the lp to run by key bump then it starts just fine otherwise it struggles. the lift pump runs for a while also. My brain says I have a leak down problem as it only does it cold. When warmed up it fires now. I have no fuel leaks but something is leaking the pressure down ??