Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) hot starting problems

[jaughenbaugh]

Hey, I have a 98. 5 3500, edge ez, K&N,straight pipe. The problem is if you start the truck first thing in the morning it fires right up. If you get it warmed up and then shut it down and let it sit anywhere from 15 minutes to 2-3 hours it acts like its not getting fuel at all. Although if you just let it sit for only 2-3 minutes it fires right up or if you let it sit for 4+ hours it fires right up. I installed a new lift pump when this problem first started and it did not help a whole lot. I then changed the fuel filter. Then I took it to cummins and they re-flashed the computer which fixed it for a month or two. Now it went back to not starting when hot again. I took it back to cummins and they said that their was stuff in the tank so they cleaned it out. This seemed to make the truck run better but not start any better. I took it straght home from cummins and change the fuel filter again(can't change it too much). They told me at cummins that whenever you get junk in the tank that the standard procedure is to replace the injection pump and the injectors. I told them that I would like to drive it for a few days before I make that kind of investment. Well it is still, doing it otherwise I would not be writing this. I have a new set of 100hp increase injectors from gomers that I have not installed yet. I decided not to install these until I figure out what is going on. I also read somewhere about someone having a similar problem and it was the crank sensor. It is only $37 dollars and I am more than willing to try this out. The only problem is that I don't know where the crank sensor is and also does it need to be set and/or adjusted? I am avoiding putting an injection pump on as a last resort, I will try anything so please if anybody has any info on any thing I have asked please let me know.

P. S. The injection pump has been change before and the only reason I know this is that there is a reman tag on it (I bought the truck used with only 217,000 miles on it).

Jim Aughenbaugh

98. 5 3500 auto,edge EZ, straight pipe, 230,000 miles

 

[jthorpe]

I started having the exact same problem about a week ago. I can't figure it out either. Fuel Pressure is good. 13 idle, 10 av, 8 WOT. Truck runs great, just hard to start when warm. Fires right up when cold.

 

[obert]

uh-oh

Im afraid i may have bad news... I experienced this problem some time ago and my first reaction was to change the supply pump. That helped very little. Elswise the engine ran fine, but the engine had no clutch engagement tourque and would die very easily even in 1st gear. Truck was under engine warranty still so went to dealer and it turned out that the pump was F'd up. The timing advance mechanism is very delicate and mine went to pot. At this point there is no repair, just install a new one.



However, scince this is like a $1600 pump, you could get a hopped up VP44e or change over to a P700 from a 12 valve and get alot more "bang" for your buck.



Just my thoughts... ...

 

[jaughenbaugh]

Well guys, I have very good news, I replaced the crankshaft position sensor for only $37 and it fixed the problem and only takes about a 1/2 hour to do. I talked to the guy at cummins in Omaha and he said they sell atleast 3-4 of these a week if that tells you how reliable it is. So before you listen to your dealer about replacing your injection pump try the $37 route first, besides the way the cummins guy talked, you will be buying one at some point anyway.

Thanks for all of your inputs

Jim Aughenbaugh

 

[stick]

jaughenbaugh:

Is this the sensor at the harmonic balancer? If so what did you set the clearance at?



Stick

 

[jaughenbaugh]

Hey Stick,

This sensor is at behind the starter under about the 5thn or 6th cylinder on the block about 1/2 inch above the pan and I was told that there is no adjustment and/or clearance

Jim aughenbaugh