Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) air inthe fuel lines- Any help ??//////////

[kbeck98]

Okay guys- I am new here. So help me if you can...



Have been having trouble with my 1998 diesel for about 10 days.

First it died after setting idle for about 15 minutes ( had been drove for 1 hour before that)



Changed the fuel filter, nothing!

Called the closest Dodge dealer- they said it was the fuel pump in the gas tank ( I know ). Part the part $400. 00 - changed it out- still nothing. Called the dealer that I bought it from- they said that I don't have a fuel pump in the gas tank- just a fuel gauge & that I wasted my time & money.

They said it must be the transfer pump- checked the fuel line & nothng was getting to the fuel pump. CHanged out the transfer pump ( 300. 00). Still nothing- now I have drained the lines, primed the lines & just about all that I can think of.



Finally got it running - drove 15 minutes then it died at a stop sign.

Had it towed thehouse- he next ornig it started back up after just 3 long tries. Let it idle for 30 minutes -drove it around the land & then it died again. Now I can start it but when I turn if off - it does not start again for about 3 hours. Any clues??? It does not run bad once it gets started- even passed a car today - and it ran like it should !



Any ideas?

Thanks- Ken

 

[jmeehan]

First thing is... don't buy lift pumps at the dealer, Cummins charges less.

Your lift pump may have been bad for a while and your injection pump finally died. I've re-read your post and that's the only thing I can come up with. I don't know how to diagnose a bad lift pump, so far (knock on wood!) I've only had to read about it. If it is your injection pump... buy it at Cummins. Also, a Cummins shop may be able to definitly either condemn or rule out the injection pump.

I hope some others respond, so I don't steer you wrong.

 

[kbeck98]

Started the truck this morning- drove 20 miles to work plenty of power- runs smooth- shut if off & now it will not start.



It turns over- battery is good- but will probably have to wait about 3 hours for it to start again.



Dealer said that if it was the injector it would not run at all?



any suggestions????

 

[lmills]

Have you checked your fuel pressure? That would tell you if you have air in the line. If you are getting fuel up to the injection pump, then most likely the pump might have gone south. If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge, see if their is someone near by that has one that you can use.

 

[Wolfgang]

One other question you said this was a 98. Is it a 24 valve or a 12 valve. The problems are still similar but the parts are definitely different. Dodge changed over in the middle of 98 from the 12 valve to the 24 valve

 

[kbeck98]

24 valve-



the dealer was confused too- he said the book sowed that I had a 12 valve part but the VIN # showed a 24 valve part.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

98. 5 had a recall for the fuel feed line to the injection pump. See if any of your lines are leaking or lines/fittings letting air in. Loose fittings etc. Where are you so we can possibly point you to someone in your area who can help you.

 

[Ron Bissett]

One go back to dealer that charged you for a pump and install of said in tank pump and charged you 400 dollars ,tell him that you will send copier of bill and letter to DC in the next few days and will give you the time to think it over . Next look at valve cover should say if it is twelve or 24 valve . The lines could be bleeding back but think it is the crank censer or the throttle position sensor or AIT suggest a manual for your model send to DC or other vendor about one hundred dollars well worth it . bleed three injectors ? Has to be a simple thing finding it is 99%of fixing it . Keep looking and posting what you find. Lol Ron in Louisville KY

 

[kbeck98]

rechecked for air in lines,starting at injector side of fuel filter. loosend banjo, after lift pump shut off ,the remaing fuel around banjo was sucked back in pump. is this normal? already had tank cap off. appreciate all the info from you guys

 

[kbeck98]

rechecked for air in lines,starting at injector side of fuel filter. loosend banjo, after lift pump shut off ,the remaing fuel around banjo was sucked back in pump. is this normal? already had tank cap off. appreciate all the info from you guys