Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard Start Conditions

[S R Flournoy]

My problem started when the injection pump failed. Dealer installed new pump and lift pump. Hard starting followed. It takes longer than normal to start. This does not occur all of the time but you never know when it will occur. Usually when the weather is hot. It has been back to the dealer several times. They have helped it some but the problem still is there. Once it starts it runs fine, no stumble or miss. They don't think it is a air leak. They think it is electrical perhaps a cam or crank sensor. However no code is being set so they want me to run it until a code is set. Has anyone had any simular experience? Any help would be appreciated.





2001 Quad Cab. 100% stock. 75,000 miles

 

[RJPotts]

The only thing I could think of that would cause your truck to have a hard start problem would be too much or not enough fuel pressure, or the starter is getting weak.

I can't think of anything else that would cause the problem, especially since you say it runs fine otherwise.

-R. J.

 

[Camp]

My problem started when the injection pump failed. Dealer installed new pump and lift pump. Hard starting followed. It takes longer than normal to start. This does not occur all of the time but you never know when it will occur. Usually when the weather is hot. It has been back to the dealer several times. They have helped it some but the problem still is there. Once it starts it runs fine, no stumble or miss. They don't think it is a air leak. They think it is electrical perhaps a cam or crank sensor. However no code is being set so they want me to run it until a code is set. Has anyone had any simular experience? Any help would be appreciated.





2001 Quad Cab. 100% stock. 75,000 miles

My experience. So far so good!

 

[S R Flournoy]

The dealer says fuel pressure is as it should be. The starter is strong. Works just like it did new.

 

[DMcQuown]

Hard Start

Something you should mention the fact of installing a new VP and a new lift pump then hard starting began.

Only about 5 hours ago, I had a discussion with my local fuel injection shop "ProFormance Fuel Injection" While discussing the matter of fuel pressure to Marty he explained that the engineers at Bosch explained to him... if at starting the fuel pressure is exceeding 13psi, it will cause a hard starting condition. Once the engine is running, it seems it makes no difference on how much fuel pressure is being supplied to the VP.

Question to you... . Did you have a after market pump, IE: Fass, Air Dog etc. . installed? If so, make sure it is wired to the original wiring of the original lift pump. If it is a OEM lift pump, it is possible the relief valve is not opening at the correct pressure.

Good luck... Keep us posted.

Dan

 

[S R Flournoy]

Dodge dealer installed the pump and lift pump. As I understand it they use Cummins remanufactured injection pumps and new lift pumps. I myself have done nothing to the pickup. I don't want tl be hassled on the warrenty.



Today I drove it 110 miles. Stopped for about an hour and then it was hard to start. Every other time today it started normally. Crazy isn't it?

 

[bcallahan]

My '99 is doing the same thing. I have new FASS, new VP. Takes longer to start when hot. Can injectors cause this? If so, why does it start instantly sometimes (used to do it all the time. I have 126k on it. No smoke from the exhaust. Runs & pulls great -- generally seems to be a problem after warmed up. Batteries are good. Starter whips it over -- just takes longer than when it was younger. This started even before the new FASS & VP. Seems to be getting worse.

 

[KCohen]

IM just wondering if you found anything wrong. My truck is doing the same thing. when its hot it wont start,but cool pump down whith water hose and it will start right up. I thought it was probably the electronics on top of pump but was told you cant buy them and have to replace the pump. any clue?

 

[KCohen]

Sorry I have exact same problem whith my '99. talked to cummins rep and said since i can cool it down about one minute with a hose and start it it was probably the little black boxes under top cover but i cant buy new electronics and need a new pump. now that summer is here its getting harder to start in afternoon but starts good in morning. sound familiar?

 

[S R Flournoy]

I think I may have found the problem with my truck. The return line was leaking at the T near the back of the engine. Dealer replaced it and everything was fine for about a day. The hard starting occurred again in hot weather after I had driven it for about 50 miles. I stopped for about an hour and it was hard to start. Checked the line at the T. It was leaking diesel again. I am going to have the dealer take another shot at it. If I do anything they will say I caused the problem myself. I'll keep you posted.

 

[S R Flournoy]

Another chapter has unfolded in this mystery. Today I took the truck back to the dealer to fix the leak. I was sure it was the return line but they determined the 0 ring on the number 6 injector was leaking instead of the return line. That return line was quite expensive not to have fixed anything. They didn't have the 0 ring so they ordered it. It will be next week now. I'll keep you posted.