Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hard start issue?!

[Beach]

I posted this question about my hard start issue a while back. I haven't dug to deep into investigating it. I was told it could be the check valve on the return line, loose injection line, air getting in somewhere. I just looked at my injection lines where they go into the head, and # 4 and#5 are moist. They are not wet, but has a damp dirty look. I checked them and got a little turn out of both. I don't want to over tighten and break anything, but could this cause fuel to bleed down overnight? The hard starting occurs after the truck has sat over night or for about 5 hrs. Now with the check valve, what am I supposed to check with that? Is it located near the factory lift pump behind the fuel filter? Sorry this is so long. Also, I was trying to look around the top of the fuel tank, and saw what looks like a black rubber button. It's located toward the front with a plastic fitting or vent pointing toward the passenger side. There are no lines connected to this. Just wondering what that is. Thanks for being patient and reading my ramblings. I'd like to finally figure this out before winter. Hopefully the two lines were it. Thanks again.

 

[Beach]

Can someone post a picture or give me a good description of the "check valve" and it's exact location. I just read where someone chaned there in about 10 mins. I might replace it just to eliminate that possible issue.

 

[NIsaacs]

It looks like a banjo bolt and holds the fuel return line onto the side of the injection pump. It faces the driver side, easy to get to.



Are your batteries good, as in real good? I have found that weak batteries, though they spin the starter good, that maybe the voltage drop causes startability issues. I have found that new batteries cure a lot of small issues with my truck.



Nick

 

[RMacneil]

I too am troubleshooting the same issue on an `01. There was another thread addressing this issue, but the same fixes are mentioned. None have cured it for me. Here is the thread link:
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ransmission-1998-52002/225670-hard-start.html

The check valve looks like this:
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I am going to probably end up pulling the injectors and having them tested and most likely rebuilt. I think they may be bleeding off the pressure. But that doesn't explain why it doesn't hard start after being parked facing downhill. I really want to figure this out. I will be sure to post what fixes this once I figure it out.

The check valve part# is: cummins part# 3941156, or dodge part# 5011824aa

I got mine from a truck supply store (Cummins) for $38. But it didn't fix it. But like you said, at least it ruled it out.
Good luck.

-Ryan

 

[RMacneil]

Here's some more info on the check valve:
#ad

#ad

 

[Beach]

Thanks for the info and diagram. I'm going to try and replace it this weekend. Hope that solves my issue. It's getting cold here quick.

 

[Beach]

One more thing. How do you test for a leaking injector(s)? What signs would suggest that to possibly be my issue? Thanks.

 

[RMacneil]

You would likely have some fuel oil dilution. You can detect that through oil analysis or viscosity tests, such as the "falling ball" method.

 

[Beach]

Truck puked oil all over two days ago and again yesterday when I got home from work. Front axle and underneath is covered in oil dripping all over the driveway. It did this earlier in the summer, but hasn't come back till now. I checked the oil and it is very clean looking instead of the usual black. It kind of smells like maybe diesel is in it. I am not driving it now until I get it looked at. Might have something to do with my hard start. Any suggestions. How much damage could I have done to the motor if it is fuel in the oil, and what can cause this. Not happy right now!

 

[Beach]

Also... it seemed to being running slightly rougher than normal. Not major, but I could tell it was off a little. Bad injector?

 

[RMacneil]

Check your oil level. If its rising higher than it was when you changed it, that is probably bad news. Is your blow-by canister full? That can drip on your front axle when full.
But you know, if it smells like fuel oil, it probably is. Check your fuel return line from behind the engine to the frame rail and see if it's leaking. There is a plastic disconnect fitting on that line that can leak. I've cut that out and replaced it with high quality fuel line and hose clamps on my friends to eliminate the fitting and stop the leaking.

Just throwing out ideas.

M/P

 

[Beach]

Getting towed today to a diesel mechanic I know. He said it could possibly be the "dip tube". I think the tube that connects between the injector and the line going into the head. Could also be a bad o-ring. We'll see. Hopefully nothing too serious. oOl is a little diesel smelling and full! Wish me luck that it's not serious!

 

[Beach]

Truck is back and running better than ever. They found some of the tubes were leaking and some bad seals, which was causing it to lose prime and fuel was leaking into the crankcase. Just thought I would mention what they found, since none of these issues were mentioned. Just another place to check into for others with that issue. They also adjusted my valves which had never been done at 200k. Trucks sounds quieter and runs smoother. The one thing I have also noticed, is my oil still looks new since I've picked it up. Usually it would turn black even after just changing the oil on first start up. Any reason this would be like this now? Thanks again for the help! Merry Christmas.

 

[RMacneil]

Do you know exactly which tubes and seals were leaking?