Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) '95 2500 won't start

[GGaskie]

I have a 1995 2500 that ran out of fuel due to a leaky fuel filter housing. It appears that I have fuel to the injector pump, but no fuel out of it. What else do I need to check before replacing the injector pump (a lot of work)? It was running fine before this happened. This is the first diesel truck I've owned and I have a lot to learn. Help!!!



Thanks

 

[DBraunig]

There is a manual primer on the fuel transfer pump, located on engine block below the fuel filter housing. Its kind of hard to get at by hand, i sawed a broom handle down and use it as an extender. Here is a really nice diagram of of the component locations from Dave Fritz's website DodgeRam.org



Keep priming the pump until you start to hear a squeaking noise, that squeak is the overflow valve in the injection pump, and the noise lets you know for sure that there is fuel in the injection pump. Crank the motor over 10-15 seconds at a time, and give it a little rest between cranks, extended cranking really heats up the starter motor.



If the truck ran fine before it ran out of fuel, then it should fire back up after a few cranks. Probably stumble a little right off, but then smooth out and run normally again.



Hope this helps,



Dave



Oh, almost forgot... ... ..... Welcome to TDR

 

[GGaskie]

Thanks, Dave

I'll try that.



Greg

 

[Extreme1]

Crank the motor over 10-15 seconds at a time, and give it a little rest between cranks, extended cranking really heats up the starter motor.

And plugs up the armature, carbons up the armature contact area, wears out the brushes and leaves you stranded weeks later at the drive in theater!



Amazing what a piece of 800 grit sandpaper can fix...

 

[GGaskie]

Dave, I tried pumping the primer (about 300 times) and all I got was fuel out of the fuel filter drain and no squeak from the injector pump. Is there something in the injector pump that can keep fuel from getting into it? What else is left but the injector pump?



Thanks for the help,

Greg

 

[DBraunig]

Not hearing the squeak is no big deal. Have you tried cranking the truck over to see if it will restart?



Dave

 

[Howard Durand]

There is a bleed screw at the front banjo fitting on top of the fuel filter housing. Open it up and push the priming button. when fuel flows out of the bleed screw, close it up and it should start. I had the same problem when I replaced the lift pump. Finally read the instructions.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Also make sure that your fuel solenoid is infact turned on. I had it partially die the same day I did a fuel filter, and it took me forever to figure it out. I pushed that little black knob 250 times and still wasn't primed. Finally figured it out.

 

[FParisi]

Howdy

Priming with the button ( I use a 1/2 inch drive long extension ) has always worked for me but

1) did you fix the fuel housing leak?

and 2) fuel shouldn't run out the fuel filter drain unless you push it up make sure its pulled down + NOT draining when you prime.

Let us know how it goes.

Frank

 

[LarryB]

Greg

Did you say you are getting fuel out of the quick drain when you pump? If so you need to close the quick drain and then pump till it squeeks, otherwise it will suck in air and never start.

 

[Timebomb]

Also you may want to push on the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 that will help get fuel out of the injection pump.

 

[gitchesum]

First thing is to make sure that all the fuel fittings are tight and not leaking.



Pump the primer bulb, alot.



Try to start the truck. If it doesn't start, stop cranking but leave the key in the on position, and verify that the fuel shutdown solenoid is pulled up all the way.



Crack the first 3 fuel lines that can can easily reach. I think it's 1, 3 and 4.



Try starting the truck, while watching the injector lines for fuel to come out of them. Giving it a little throttle helps. If you are getting fuel to the injectors, it should try to start. When you feel it try to start, or it actually starts, turn the key off, tighten the injector lines and restart while giving it a little throttle.



When it cranks, try to hold it at a 18-2000 rpms until the engine smooths out.



Of course, if you have a little help, you can have the person try to start the truck while you loosen and tighten the injector lines. Makes it a little easier.



Try to avoid cranking for more than 30 seconds though. The starter can get hot if you do.