Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 98.5 hard starting

[Hookemupman]

I just bought a 98. 5 24 valve and when i first start it, it turns over for extended periods before it will start and seems to be getting worse. Once its running it runs great and will restart quick once its warmed up. Is it the the vp44 going bad?There is not a check engine light on. Thanks Jason

 

[PHellen]

If the vp44 was going bad it will throw a code like injector pump timing error. Turn the key 3 times to do a check. Sounds to me like the lift pump isn't feeding vp44. This is a common problem with dodges. I bet its the lift pump. You should hear the lift pump do a prime before the truck starts or go down to your auto store and setup a fuel pressure guage and check to see if you have pressure off the schrader Valve, Theres one off the fuel filter and the line going into the pump. It's Prob. starting faster after warm up b/c the fuel system has pressure in it once it sits it loses the pressure. I know mine ran without a lift pump for awhile just on line pressure. When i opened the fuel filter it lose pressure and was dead in the water. Now i have a new lift and pusher no more problems.

 

[Hookemupman]

I can hear the lift pump running when i bump the key it runs about 20 sec then shuts off. The pump seems very noisey. I will check fuel pressure on monday

 

[PHellen]

Thats good that it is running. Now you need to do a pressure check to see if it's working inside. How long has it been since you changed your fuel filter?

 

[Hookemupman]

I just installed fuel pressure gauge and when transfer pump is running it has 15 pounds now truck will not start. So i dont know what the pressure is running. Have not looked at filter yet i just bought this truck last week and im working out the details. Thanks

 

[Hookemupman]

Replaced fuel filter it looked new, but orings were questionable replaced filter and orings. Had a heck of a time getting it to prime but finally started and pressure is 15pounds at idle and never dropped below 10 pound going down the road but still cranks for about 30 sec before starting and sometimes i have to bump starter to prime transfer a couple times before it will start. It acts to me like air is getting in the system because it seems far worse when it has set for a while. I have had a couple people suggest that its the vp pump but do not want to replace it unless i know for sure thats the problem. Keep the suggestions coming please.

 

[FourBarR]

yuo cant get codes on a 98. 5 by cycling the key. you need a code reader.

 

[Hookemupman]

I thought if there was a code the check engine light would come on. If not i have a friend that could scan it to see. What about the injector tubes also i thought i read where the 98. 5s had some issues. Sorry about all questions but i have had all 12 valves prior to this truck and im hoping not to regret buying the 24 valve.

 

[PHellen]

hookemupman i just sent you a private message. Some info if you have aol,or yahoo? messenger

 

[Hookemupman]

PHellen,sent you a pm.

 

[aarlucas]

If the vp44 was going bad it will throw a code like injector pump timing error.

It is not true that it will throw a code if it is going bad. It depends one what is happening. My VP44 went bad and I never got any codes at all. Just a slow death of hard starting. When I spoke to the guys who rebuild these pumps, they said that is not uncommon for them to go bad without displaying a code. If the FCM is going bad you will get a code though.

 

[TurboTweaker]

another problem is that on the top of the tank there are 2 steel lines comming out of the tank. one is feed and one is return. they tend to rust out, mine did. you could be sucking air there. just something else to check befor you spen $1500 on a pump.



The Fat Kid

Andy

 

[CStewart]

What turbotweaker said. Had the same thing happen to mine, the lines coming out of the fuel module rusted. The return didn't leak but the supply leaked enough to get air in the system after it sat for awhile. I rebuilt my module and have no more problems with it since.



Chris

 

[Double A]

Check your injector lines where they connect to the head and the o-rings on the connector tubes. I've had issues there before with slow leaks causing hard starts.

 

[DDeputy]

Ok, as long as we are on the subject, mine has started with the long crank time problem. Only seems to do it when I have gone long enough to warm it up and then shut it off for atleast 15 or 20 min. I have been working with the mechanics at the dealer trying to narrow it down and they are leaning toward an injection pump. I had the o rings replaced some time ago and the fuel tank sender for the gauge. They seem to think if it were o rings or etc. it would have a long crank when cold not warm like mine. The problem seems to be getting worse and I'am hoping what ever it is will die close to the shop!! I suppose after 352K it maybe several things.

 

[Ralph Heron]

codes on a 98.5

got a 98. 5 too... read a thread that you can get codes by depressing and holding the trip odometer reset and then turning the key until the lights go on... tried it and it appears to work. Basically, there is a short pattern of characters and then codes echo-ed (mine appeared to have no codes flagged, although the process went thru). Let me know if it doesnt work...



Ralph-

 

[Hookemupman]

Well i just got the truck back from southeast power cummins and they said it was getting air from a check valve on the injector pump and thats why it was losing its prime. So they replaced check valve,but they also said that the internal fuel solinoid was hanging up and thats not serviceable so i need to replace the vp44 at 2600. 00 for parts only. So i went and picked it up and it still starts as hard as before. I have a friend that can get a rebuilt vp 44 and a new transfer with a year warranty for about 1400. 00 if i install them i am still not convinced its the vp pump yet. I will check all the lines at the tank. Isnt there some issues with the injector connector tubes on the early 24 valves. Thanks for all the suggestions this far.

 

[aarlucas]

I think Southeast Power Cummins is dead on. You can get a better deal than $2600 though. I bought my VP44 for $1000. 00 rebuilt in Orlando, Fl. Hosti Diesel has the best prices for LP's that I have found too.