Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) hard starts, I really need help

[RJaeken]

Since 2 months i have the following problem :

In the morning turnkey start, after that really really hard starts.

What seems to help is that I crank several times to keep the lp running.



I checked the lift pump a,d have putten a big fuel line kit from the tank to the lp.



The airvalve on the tank is open.



Also when I am running on the highway I really feel sometimes a lack of diesel.



Is my VP44 dead or dying?



I have no codes.



Thanks,



Raf

 

[EGaskamp]

I've been having the same problem for a year. The truck runs fin, it just doesn't like to start. Have you ever run high FP? That can cause the diaphram in the VP to crack and cause hard start but no codes. I'm just gonna run mine till it drops dead. No $ for a VP. Tis is the only thing I can think of. Good luck.



Eric

 

[RJaeken]

I am almost shure it's the VP but on the other hand, when It starts it looks like it runs perfect, I am getting so tired of it.



No one else?

 

[hammersley]

Obviously you have changed the filter?????

But other than that - almost 100% sure it's your VP... ... . how many miles on it?????

 

[Hendricks]

I have the same symtoms. However My problem is a broken fuel line at the tank. somehow broke it changing out my lp. try pulling you big line off of the tank and stick it in a gas can full of fuel. thats how i troubleshot mine. hope this helps. draw straw in route.

 

[EGaskamp]

Yeah, once my truck starts it runs perfect too. It's really starting to **** me off

 

[Joe Mc]

Yes if you've done work by the tank that involved touching the lines it's possible that the steel (probably rusted like mine were) lines going into the tank module have a pin hole. This hole may not leak alot but the thing that happens is you loose prime and get a hard start. Try the test method mentioned above with fuel in a can and hose up to the LP. If the 'first start of the day" is your problem child - then connect the can Friday night, start it up to make sure you have a draw (don't run too long or you'll recirc everything in the can to the truck's tank via the return line) and go for it Saturday morning.

 

[MRose]

MeToo! I have the same problem, driving me nuts! New batteries help, but before them i got the ether out a few times. Replaced the return line check valve also thinking it was bad (fuel pressure dropped to 0 immediatly when turned off), new check valve held pressure for awhile but now drops just like the old one. Blow it out with compressed air and its good a few times. No visible leaks so far, gonna try the can test now.

 

[JR2]

Try getting this TSB done to your truck 18-015-00 A:



Driveability enhancements for winter fuel use and for hard starts.

This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 5. 9L-24V diesel engine built between engine serial numbers 56419738 to 56798357, with a date of manufacture of December 16, 1997 to November 15, 2000.



The customer may complain of poor driveability when winter fuel is used to power the engine. Or, the customer may complain of a hard or no-start condition, while the engine is at normal operating temperatures, when using any type of good quality diesel fuel. The poor driveability condition may occur only when either straight #1 diesel fuel is used or when other special cold climate winter blend fuels are in use.



The no-start or long engine crank condition may occur when attempting to restart the engine while the temperature of the engine is till close to its normal operating temperature. This hard hot restart condition may be experienced in all ambient climates, but may be more of a concern in warmer ambient climates. The repair involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Cummins CM551 Engine Control Module (ECM) with new software.





You should be able to look under the hood and find a tag where it will tell you what reflashes have been done. If this one has not been done it may solve your problem.

 

[RJaeken]

I doubt this reprogramming as it never did it before. The truck has now 300000km wich is about 190000 miles. I changed all lines, valves and tried a seperate fuel cane higher then the engine. I do not understand the following : If I spray a little brake cleaner into the air intake it will start and run fine from the first time. Looks like the vp needs more rpm to work fine?



Batteries are new, alternator, I checked al ground connections, must be the vp but it shows no codes on a snap on reader??????



Pffffffff

 

[MCummings]

If I spray a little brake cleaner into the air intake it will start and run fine from the first time. Looks like the vp needs more rpm to work fine?

Exactly, or you can pull start it. Mine did this for a few weeks, then just cleared up. I don't understand it. I was already saving for a new VP when it cleared up. The longer I let the truck idle down when stopped, the less hard it was to start...





Merrick

 

[dnesbitt3]

cold water test

my Cummins shop tests the VP for failure by pouring cold water on it before cranking the truck, if it cranks right up then your VP is getting ready to take a dump on you. Haven't seen where they pour the water, but have heard the story from more than one customer... .



Good Luck.

 

[AMendes]

sounds like the vp is tired. i recomend if you do replace to ad new lp or check to make sure lp is keeping psi up. i had to change my vp last year then again after 15k because the lp was junk, 18 psi at idle 4 at take off and 10 on freeway. installed FASS now psi is ALWAYS at 18-20. vp still going w/ 30k and comp box and heavy foot. a 20$ fuel psi guage would have saved me $1k on the vp

 

[RJaeken]

If it is the VP why only at startup? not logical I think.

 

[SAndreasen]

my truck is doing the exact same thing i thought maybe it was check valve in the fuel system to but i see that you have tried that also with no luck i have a brand new vp44 and a brand new lift pump it hasnt happend since i put the new lift pump on but i havent had the new lift pump on long enough to be sure if that has fixed the problem. my truck has been doing this exact same thing for about 15, 000 miles it goes away and comes back again about every 5,000 miles or so!

 

[AMendes]

vp's get tired and worn out, especially with the diesel these days having less and less sulfer, no lub. no lub, parts wear faster. the vp has a hard time priming itself and the lines to the injectors, but once it does it runs fine. just like priming any pump.

either the vp is not being supplied enough fuel to fire or its worn out from lack of fuel due to a bad lift pump and the combo of the new cleaner burning diesel or it could be electrical malfunction in the pump or the truck comp sys. i know less than nothing about elec and im glad.

ive had 3 friends who had hard starting problems and did not want to change the vp. untill all three trucks left all three friends stranded cuz it finally gave out. new pump no more problems. thats just my experiance, id feel bad if you relplaced the vp and did not fix the prob.

as far as the truck that does not start when she does not feel like it thats a first, buy her some new tires and tell her she looks pretty

 

[SAndreasen]

according to0 my psi gauge the pump was flowing fuel but a new lift pump on and it hasnt been back since