Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel Questions

[proskeeterman]

Can anyone tell me the real going price for a fuel shut-off solenoid? Does it really retail for over $500:00? When they go bad, is it the solenoid or the mechanical end that fails? Also, can someone tell me where the engine Id # is located, I'm told its a 8 digit number located on the valve cover, but I can't find any such number. My thanks to all that reply.

 

[Bob V]

The # is on the timing gear cover, drivers side in front of the injection pump. The list price at the dealer might be that high. www.fostertruck.com has the for less than $200. 00. The relay is often the problem, foster truck has them also.

 

[hsmith]

Ditto on fostertruck. If the solenoid is fried, be sure to check the starter solenoid contacts as they are often the cause of the failure.

 

[Joe G.]

How do you know the fuel solenoid is bad? What is happening?

 

[KingS]

TST has a good price on the shutoff to that where I got mine a year and a half ago. and Yes the dealers are around the 500 mark.

 

[proskeeterman]

Joe,

At this time, I have no problems(truck has 170,000 now), however I am retiring soon and wish to amass some of the parts that are known to fail while still. working. Also there is no number on the timing cover, is there another place to look?

 

[Bob V]

I don't tknow if this will help or not. It gives you an idea what it looks like and where is is http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Facts/Cpl.htm

If it is not there the cover might have been rplaced at some time due to the KDP. Is the cover painted the same as the engine??

 

[Joe G.]

The fuel solenoid seldom fails. You should get the starter diode kit and a fuel solenoid boot from Larryb to protect it from a starter failure and a rotted boot. Also a 70 amp relay (also from Larryb) will be needed someday. It's used for the pull up coil on the solenoid. You can also get a 70 amp automotive type of relay for about $10 from an electronic components store. All of these things can fail and cause you to replace a good fuel solenoid.



Another thing (different topic) you should do is make sure the fuel hoses and other things in the fuel supply system are in good shape. A spare set of fuel hoses (also form Larryb) is a good idea. The fuel heater will eventually get you so you might as well remove it now to avoid that problem. It's worthless anyway, even if it works as designed.