Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Excessive long starting issues /ac issues

[tim.hutson1331@gmail.com]

Have a 2001 ram just had the injection pump and lift pump replaced. And it now cranks extra long when starting. At least 3 to 4 cranks then starts and it runs smooth when it does start. Does not happen all the time . thought it was from ladent heat on the injection pump after running but it will sometime happen when cold also. Doesn't start like it use to when old injection pump was on it. Which was instantaneously. Need help only has 85000 miles.
Also have a real slow leak on ac system, have replaced low pressure switch , O rings,and the evap 2x and it still leaks down takes about month of not running. The dealer has put dye in it and used a machine to check for leaks and can't find it. I was thinking the Schrader valves might be it now. Been dealing with this for over year. Thank god it hasn't cost me since the original repair. But am loosing my patience!!!!!

 

[JR]

If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge you should really get one. It could save your injection pump in the future and is invaluable in troubleshooting problems like this.

What kind of lift pump did your shop put in? Have they gone back over their work? I'd start there first if they haven't.

Aside from that check for leaks as they will cause a hard start. Be very thorough and work from front to back. Injection pump, lift pump, fuel filter, and fuel lines.

 

[klcammie]

If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge you should really get one. It could save your injection pump in the future and is invaluable in troubleshooting problems like this.

What kind of lift pump did your shop put in? Have they gone back over their work? I'd start there first if they haven't.

Aside from that check for leaks as they will cause a hard start. Be very thorough and work from front to back. Injection pump, lift pump, fuel filter, and fuel lines.

Also check the return fuel line " T " at the back of the engine drivers side for leak od lose.

 

[tim.hutson1331@gmail.com]

Thanks for the response, I do not have a fuel pressure gauge but they did install a LED light that tells me when psi drops to 5. The first fuel pump was a fass pump. and they changed it out to a new Cummins original one. The fass one was putting out 18 to 21 psi. They said it was a little to much psi for the injection pump. Well that wasn't the problem. So it still cranks a little longer with this pump. I was thinking possibly a injector leaking but that means all of them would have to leak. I have traced out the lines and I can't find any issues. But if there was a leak the excessive cranking would happen all the time and it doesn't. I have read something about a part in the injection pump that malfunctions when it gets hot. And it does doesn't show up on the bench test when the reman pump is assembled. Any thoughts on it. I even called Bosch about the pump and they recommended this place as the number one repair shop in my area.

 

[JR]

How about any CEL?


Ultimately if this is a recent pump installation I would get the shop involved and get them to try to diagnose the problem. That's what you paid them to do, any self diagnosing I'm about to recommend MAY void warranty, so i woudnt do anything unless tthey have either already looked at it or cant figure it out.

If you bought a pump with a used fpcm (computer) than it is very possible it could be pump related. If thats when you notice the long start when hot, CAREFULLY and sparingly pour some cold water over top of the fpcm. If it starts right up youve likely found your problem. Most reputable builders are now using new fpcm's in their remans, but some still do not. They also certainly didn't do you any favors by going from a FASS to a Carter, especially if the pump was working just fine before.

 

[NIsaacs]

Until you can get it back in the shop, on a hot start, don't let the lift pump run before starting, go instantly from off to start. That seems to help with a tired fpcm.

Nick

 

[rayplumas]

I have a 99 Cummings, replaced the injector pump, 180000 mi. but prior to replacement the starting issue was there. It starts great when cold but after shut down sometimes it takes a bit of cranking to get fire. I also noted the 'wait to start' light does not always come on when cold. Clicking the key a few times gets it lit up and a normal start.
The last issue is the transmission step down, it does not seem to want to go down in gears?