Hard Starting

[proskeeterman]

I am confused and dont know what to do. I have a problem that just started this am. I came out to start my Ram, like usual I cranked, but it did not fire. Now I'm no mechanic, but it almost seemed like it was not firing. I mean it didnt seem to be a fuel problem, I took it out of park and put it in nuetral, still wouldnt fire, then back into park and it fired. Then when I came out of work, it did the same thing, I went thru the same process to get it started again. Do these trucks still employ a nuetral safety switch? Can anyone help me with suggestion/s, I'm kinda lost, to say the least.

 

[Strick-9]

hard / no starting

Our '97 put us through a lot of trouble doing exactly this.



If the motor is turning over and won't start, then you have a fuel problem. You need to check your shutoff solenoid. It is located on the driver's side of the engine to the rear of the injector pump. It is a vertical cylinder.



This is how it SHOULD operate.



Reach down under the solenoid and try to pull up on the linkage. It is spring loaded downward, but you should be able to move it.



Now get in the truck and BUMP the starter and leave the key in the 'ON' position. The solenoid should be sucked up now and you should NOT be able to move it.



The solenoid will not engage by just turning the key to the ON position, but it will hold itself up if you pull it up manually.



If you wire the linkage UP, you can start and drive your truck for emergencies, but it will not shutoff until you release the linkage.



There is a relay directly to the rear of the solenoid that controls its operation. The relay is usually the culprit. It costs about $40. The solenoid is a little over $300.



If you wire UP the solenoid, and the truck truck still doesn't start, you have other problems. Possibly an air leak in the return line, but my guess is the shutoff solenoid.



Let us know.



-Chris

 

[illflem]

Chris's advice is good but I'd personally start by replacing the fuel lines. If they have never been replaced they will need replacing anyways. The lines can leak air in without leaking fuel out, there sometimes is no visible leak. The fact that your truck does eventually start leads me to believe it's the hoses. Another way to check if it is the hoses in to manually pump the lift pump before starting, if it starts right up it's either the hoses or overflow valve.

 

[Missouri Mule]

proskeeterman,



Lets go with your hunch first. Yes there is a nuetral saftey switch.

Unless you have a manual then you have a clutch saftey swtich.

I 'm going to take it you have an auto.



Since your starter was turning over the nuetral saftey switch is working. Now you have to check between the relay and the fuel shut off solenoid. Look for broken wires, loose connectors, pay close attention to fuel shut off relay. Have a few test lights handy to check out relay and the wiring that comes and goes from it.

No fuel in cylinders will cause symptoms you have stated.

So your looking at leaking fuel lines(return), fuel overflow valve(return fuel valve) sticking open, bad transfer pump, or malfunctioning fuel shut off relay/solenoid.

 

[proskeeterman]

I appreciate the help of all you fellowTDR'S. Now let me refine this, I can crank for approx a total of 30-40 secs and then she will fire. which leads me to believe the fuel has drained back to the tank and it takes that long to bring it bk up. Does that make sense? Having 2 jobs(at least) I'm quite busy til Mon when I can attack this prob full bore. I think I'll just have to start replacing things til its fixed. My thnx to all that reply, your the BEST: