Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel pump not coming on like it used to

[woodwad]

Recently, my truck is taking more cranks to start than it used to. It used to start in only a second or so (like on the 2nd or third revolution) and now it is taking 2 or 3 seconds to start. I have also noticed on my fuel pressure gauge that the fuel pump is not coming on like it used to and pumping up to pressure. Now, I begin to crank and as the fuel pressure comes up, it fires right off. I have the DDRP fuel pump and it has worked great for a long time. As soon as if fires, good fuel pressure all the time, so I don't think it is the pump. What controls the fuel pump when the key is turned on? What should I look at replacing to get back to the old instant start of the recent past? By the way, my truck is a 99 Club Cab 4 x 4 with the 5 speed manual trans. 368,000 miles and going strong.

 

[Bill Johnson]

it might be a fuel return line leaking, check for any fuel line leakage. it happened on my 2000 2500 and I had to replace three O rings on the return line .

 

[JR]

How about after its been running, will it start right back up after you shut it down?
Aside from the return line check the supply line from the injection pump all the way back to the tank, including the filter housing and the lift pump. Look for any moderately damp spots, it sounds lime you've got a leak somewhere and fuel is slowly draining back to the tank, thus the extra time required for the lift pump to prime the system again.