1999 hard to start

[SAndreasen]

My early build 99 is hard to start after the first startup of the day it has a ddrp pump and it runs the same pressure it always has ideas?

 

[JMLambert]

Mine started that 4 or 5 years ago when the temp got above 80. Last summer I replaced the starter and that fixed the hard start. I don't know if this will help. John

 

[Nigel]

When my 99 became hard to start (very long cranking) when warm I discovered that if I disconnected the temp sensor by the thermostat the truck would fire instantly just like when it was cold. Then I would reconnect the sensor while running and carry on. I believe the problem was in the electronics of the injection pump. Happened to both of my 24 valve trucks and my friend’s truck as well. All three were good after changing the VP44 pumps.

Nigel

 

[Chief USA]

Have your reviewed this troubleshooting information for hard start cold?

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

 

[SAndreasen]

Just from reading through the hard start hot diagnoses it sounds like a pump

 

[JR]

It could very well be but it could be other things as well. I agree with the starter as being a possibility although I'd think it would be getting worse as time goes on. If you have a battery load tester many of them have a separate amp gauge that tells you how much the starter is drawing the system down. It's an easy check, need to eliminate the simple stuff then move on to the bigger.

 

[Joe Mc]

I had problem years back, first start of the day, or after about 4-5 hours sitting. Found fuel supply pipe at top of tank module had a pin hole (rust never sleeps) so overnight it would lose prime. Vulcan Draw Straw fixed that. If starter is turning slowly then for sure load test batteries. If starter is weak-batteries good, I don't recommend getting a "new" one, especially from the local parts house. Look up (I think they're still in business) Larry B's. He sells (sold) super HD contact kit for our starter. Replaced mine 12 years or so ago. Aftermarket starters are just that, if you're lucky you might get 2-3 years... MHO

 

[SAndreasen]

This starts fine cold but getting harder and harder to start hot 15 psi to the fuel filter head tried bleeding it and it didn’t make any difference cycling the key twice and letting the pump prime makes no difference either . I will have batteries tested seems to be cranking fast as always but maybe not I guess

 

[SAndreasen]

Ran the garden hose over the pump for a minute or two and it fired right up in two revolutions just like it should so I’ll get a pump ordered

 

[MAYoung]

Sounds like you are closing on to your hard start issue. As information, I encountered somewhat delayed starting after the first start of the day. Based on a commenter's suggestion, I got a new Dodge starter for the truck. The extra RPM's from the new starter cured everything.

 

[SAndreasen]

Sounds like you are closing on to your hard start issue. As information, I encountered somewhat delayed starting after the first start of the day. Based on a commenter's suggestion, I got a new Dodge starter for the truck. The extra RPM's from the new starter cured everything.

Got the new pump ready to go In decided to change the pushrod cover gasket while the pump was out and the camshaft position sensor the tachometer has been coming and going sometimes so while the pump was out figure may as well do some other things the pushrod cover has been leaking for awhile and the gasket was dry and hard

 

[MAYoung]

Excellent maintenance items while the VP44 is out of the truck. The cam position sensor and the pushrod cover gasket are extremely difficult to access without the VP44 removal. Make sure that all the support brackets for the VP44 and vacuum pump are also in place.

 

[DavidC]

The tach is run off of the crank sensor and requires starter removal. So I read it can cause a no or hard start also.

 

[SAndreasen]

The tach is run off of the crank sensor and requires starter removal. So I read it can cause a no or hard start also.

It is the pump . Almost didnt ger it started the other day ended Up dumping 3 five gallon buckets of water on the pump and finally got it started

 

[SAndreasen]

New pump fixed the problem . Thanks