Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) hard starting getting worse

[Jonny-K5]

first off i'd like to say hello, this is my first post to this website. my dad has subscribed to TDR for years and loves it.



my dads got a 99' 2500 bone stock with around 200k on the ticker. this truck has always been able to start right up without waiting for the "wait to start" light to go out. about a year ago it stopped doing this. he had to turn the key on, wait 3 seconds, then crank. didnt matter if the engine was hot or cold. if you shut it off and immediatly tried to start again within a minute, it would restart.



a few weeks ago he told me thats not working anymore. now he's gotta turn key on, wait 3 sec, turn key off then back on, wait 3 more sec, then crank. you shut it off and immediatly try crank again, wont work, must repeat processs.



ive been reading alot of old threads and seems to me it probly faulty fuel lines/return lines and possibly lift pump.



he did have the VP replaced around 2yrs/50k mi. ago. not sure if they tested or replaced the lift pump then.



my dad work about 80-100hrs a week running our family business, and uses the truck daily to give bids. doesnt have any time to troubleshoot the problem so im trying to get it solved for him. so where should i start? get pressure checked? replace lift pump? replace fuel lines? if so which ones and where do i buy them? what do i do first?



from what i read he should have a fuel psi gauge installed after the lift pump to monitor the supply psi to the injector pump. should i just get one of these instead of having psi checked? who sells them? we're on a fairly tight budget so i do wanna just throw money at the problem replacing everything if i dont have to. thanks in advance.



Jon

 

[B.G. Smith]

Yes, first thing you need to do is check and see if the lift pump is working. It only does around 12 psi when it's good so even an old auto fuel pump pressure test gage will work. Just tie it in where one of the plugs are screwed into the top of the fuel filter, they are 1/8" pipe thread. The outer plug would be pre filter and the inner is after the filter. If the pump is not working, you will lose all prime in the system when you remove the plug from the filter so be sure your dad has a ride till you can round up and install a new transfer pump. bg

 

[Jonny-K5]

thanks for the quick response. where do i get a new pump? is that a dealer only thing or can i get one from napa. after i install the gauge the system has to be bled then right? is the lift pump mechanical or electric? does the truck have to be running to test or just key on? it does 12psi when pumping? what about when pump is off, should it hold 12psi?

 

[B.G. Smith]

I don't think you can get the pump from dealer, they are using an in-tank pump now as replacement, might find one at NAPA or at a Cummins dealer. The pump runs for about 20-30 seconds when you bump the starter but don't start the engine and all time when the engine is running, the pressure varies as the power to the pump is "modulated". There is a pressure regulator in the return fuel line from the injection pump that regulates the pressure to aroun 12-14 psi, the pressure will bleed off when the truck is dead. And yes, after you instrall the gage you may have to bleed the system to get it going again. If the pump is working, bleeding is not a big deal but if it's not, that's another story. bg

 

[Jonny-K5]

bleeding is no problem, you gotta do it every fuel filter change right?



how much should the pump cost. just looked on autozone website, they had a "master pump" for a 99 dodge diesel, 159. 99, that sound about right? where is this pump located on the truck by the way.

 

[daveshoe]

Where the pump is

bleeding is no problem, you gotta do it every fuel filter change right?



how much should the pump cost. just looked on autozone website, they had a "master pump" for a 99 dodge diesel, 159. 99, that sound about right? where is this pump located on the truck by the way.

Look on the ''first time cummins owners'' on the TDR . There is a ''sticky'' thread [where is everything?]that shows the fuel transfer pump at 15 and the fuel pressure test port at 21 the thread above that one on how to use the search feature will show you how to search this website--that will lead you to excellent,illustrated directions on how to change out your lift pump. Good Hunting. BTW,the fuel pressure test port is tapped in by using an air conditioning female fitting--the 24 valve [at least my 2002] does not have a fitting tap in the fuel filter housing

 

[GOT-Torque]

I buy all my cummins parts from this place. Excellent service and good prices.



http://www.hoeslidiesel.com/specials.htm



I think the pump is 139 plus shipping. Might as well order a bunch of oil and fuel filters and have them ship it all it one box. Later...

 

[isb360]

There are several sources of lift pumps, but your best bet would probably to try the local Cummins dealer. Search the posts for the Campaign Lift Pump and look up the part number. Cummins has been offering these pumps in support of an industrial (ambulance or school bus or something) recall campaign and is selling them very cheaply, for around $60

 

[B.G. Smith]

" where is this pump located on the truck by the way. " It is below and to the rear of the fuel filter. bg

 

[isb360]

Additional information



"Standard" lift pump from Cummins = p. n 3990082

"Campaign" lift pump from Cummins = p/n 4090046



If I recall correctly the 3990082 p/n includes the pigtail wiring harness needed to connect to the truck, but I don't think the 4090046 one does, although you can reuse the harness if you need.



Campaign kit includes a few bits and pieces for other applications that you will not need, so no worries with "extra parts" here.



Tim