Air in fuel line.

[JOE911]

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins engine. I live in Modesto California. Can anyone recommend a reliable mechanic to figure out why my truck is hard to start. Seems like it is starving for fuel starting , once started it runs just fine. Lift pump new, fuel filter changed has to be air getting in system after the filter going to the VP44 when parked. Any one in my area that you can recommend??????

 

[bcbender]

I'm sure you know this but DONT run that VP44 without enough fuel, it'll kill it. I grew up in Modesto but I no longer live there to help ya. Have you checked for good flow out of the fuel filter canister (water drain)? Or have you tried to check on the return flow line after KO / KOff cycling to verify its pushing fuel through? I have not worked on many 24V pre commonrail engines, but there should be a few steps that can be tried before taking it to a pay to play mech. Im sure some one will chime in soo.. Good luck sir.

 

[NIsaacs]

These have been known to suck air.

https://www.genosgarage.com/product/gg-9799dv/fuel-system-accessories-replacement-parts

 

[GAmes]

Not sure how air can be introduced after the lift pump. It is under pressure so the result would be a fuel leak wouldn't it? On a 12 valve with a mechanical pump air can be introduced on the suction side and cause hard/no starts. I don't know if that can be compared to an electric fuel pump but it seems to me that is where I'd be looking.

 

[Road Dog]

If you bump the starter then the lift pump should run for 15 seconds and charge the fuel system. Then it should/might start normally. Fuel goes through the vp44 and returns to the tank. It sounds like the fuel is draining back to the tank. There are check valves to hold the fuel while not running and one of them isn't working.

 

[cap-n-cray]

My '01 had and has the same problem. I found that it mattered which way I parked the truck. Parked with the front end slightly higher and it would not start like fuel starvation. Parked with the font end down and it would start with no problems. My truck was totaled before I figured out what was wrong...

Sorry...

 

[Cummins12V98]

My 01 at 1/4 tank or less with front parked high will not start. Not fun on a boat ramp.

Not sure the issue but I try to keep it over 1/4 tank and all is well.

 

[satmike]

Mine was doing the samething and it was the diesel return line on the back of the head. It has a banjo bolt and sealing washers.Mine also smelled of diesel. Worth reaching back there and see if you come up with wet fingers. A real fun place to work on.

 

[cap-n-cray]

Mine was doing the samething and it was the diesel return line on the back of the head. It has a banjo bolt and sealing washers.Mine also smelled of diesel. Worth reaching back there and see if you come up with wet fingers. A real fun place to work on.

That was next on my list. But why only with the truck parked down hill?...

 

[NIsaacs]

That was next on my list. But why only with the truck parked down hill?...

If the fuel tank is higher than the fuel filter canister the fuel can't siphon back and introduce air. My '01 is doing the same thing, slowly getting worse. I can't find the issue either.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Lift pumps commonly fail, and while the engine CAN still operate, usually lack of lift pump operation can starve the VP44 for fuel - but usually creates an issue under load, not at startup... A good reason for gauges - I have gauges for exhaust temp/turbo boost, and fuel PSI at the VP44 - really helps to monitor key engine operating conditions, especially if the truck is worked hard... I use a Walbro lift pump with fuel PSI set at the VP44 of 15 PSI - never varies from engine idle clear up to full throttle towing 5th wheel up steep grades...

 

[cap-n-cray]

I have gauges with a stock pump and I see 12 - 14 PSI...

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

To the original poster - nothing to add to your problem, but I spent all my school years in Modesto and surrounding areas - Oakdale, Riverbank, Salida, and Modesto on south side of river. Beautiful "All American City", and as seen from my younger (1950's) years, and a great place - especially "Dragging 10th street" on a Saturday night - "American Graffitti" style, as produced by another Modesto native from my era, George Lucas...