Archived Help! 99 Cummins won't start

[RNixon]

I'm having big trouble with my 99 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins 2nd generation 5. 9 L engine. Temp this morning was around 30 degrees, and the engine won't start at all. It turns over at good speed, but never even tries to start.



I suspected the fuel filter, so changed that. No difference. Lift pump seems to be working. It fills the filter housing. I don't have a fuel pressure gage. (on my list to get!)



Wait to start light comes on, and goes off in a way that seems normal.



I'm about to go look for diagnostic procedure for inlet air filters.



Any ideas what else to look at? Engine started and ran normally yesterday.



I'm in College Station / Bryan Texas. If anyone knows a good Cummins mechanic here, I would appreciate a referral.



Thanks for any help.

 

[rkressg]

Can you get the truck scanned for codes? Could be a failed VP44, could me many other things.

 

[RNixon]

It got worse. While checking the intake manifold grid heaters, I found a fuel leak at the point where the wires to the fuel heater enters the top of the fuel filter housing. Can't drive the truck with that leak, even if I could start it. Having it towed home so I can work on the whole thing there.



Thanks for the help.

 

[RNixon]

To wrap this up, the cure for the leaking fuel filter head was a new FASS fuel system. Installed it yesterday. Dodge wanted $1135 for the new replacement part for the old filter housing. I was not going to do that, so chose the FASS instead.

After installation, I had to crank the engine for a long time before it started up, but once started, it has performed quite well. I'm assuming that was because of air in the injector system. So far no sign of other problems.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Glad you got it running. Next time there is air in the system crack open an injector line or two unitl you see fuel comming out of it (them).