Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) long start after sitting overnight

[DHorine]

long start after sitting overnight-SOLUTION FOUND

'99 2500 quad cab long bed, 99,300 miles. I've had the truck since it was new(13miles) and always started perfect after I wait for WTS light to go off. After a weekend of camping, pulling a 25' 5th wheel, I parked the truck. This was 4-28-04. A cold front came through 50 degree temp. Truck would not start. Crank and crank, but would not fire. Had it towed to dealer. They bled the system and could not find anything wrong. I had them call Dodge to ducument before 100k warrenty ran out and they said put an injector pump on. Installed and leaked. Had to take back to tighten line. Still would not start correctly, had to crank 5-10 sec to start, but ran fine. Took it to another dealer, they said lift pump bad. Installed new. Still same problem. Took back to 1st dealer. They said passeger battery was flat. I verified and installed new battery. Still same problem. I found solenoid terminal stripped and therfore loose wire on air heater. Replaced. Still same problem. All fuel pressures are correct. What do I do?

 

[B.G. Smith]

The most likely scenaro is that you are losing prime/getting air in system when the truck sits for some time, could be any one of several things. If the leak is after the lift pump there will probably also be a small fuel leak when the truck is running. Examine the fuel filter and lines closely and see if you see and evidence of diesel fuel (wet oily area). One of the plugs on top of my fuel filter leaked causing similar problems. Don't know where you are located but if you are north of the "salt" line where they salt the roads in the winter, it could be the fuel or return line where they enter the tank area. Have heard of some problems there.

 

[DHorine]

Thank you for the advice. I have checked for leaks and there are none. I put a test light on the air heater on the intake and I have no current. I also tested the remote wire to the twin solenoids that controls the air heater and no light. When does the air heater turn on? There are two terminals that go to twin solenoids mounted on the driver side wheel well. Does anyone have suggestions?

 

[Hohn]

I wouldn't be so sure to assume there are no leaks. How did you check? Is it possible for air to leak in even though fuel isn't leaking out? (remember, air is a lot thinner than #2). I had a similar difficulty-- my fuel tank was getting pressurized somehow. I adjusted the injector holddowns and it went away.



Justin

 

[DHorine]

How did you adjust the injector holddowns? Would the dealership have adjusted or removed these when they replaced the injection pump?

 

[B.G. Smith]

The heaters turn on when the intake air is below 60 deg. F The heaters are controlled by the ECM. There would be no current at the heaters unless the heaters were on. One of the big wires to each solenoid is +12 volts at all times and is fed directly from the battery, it is protected by a fusible link in the line near the battery(covered by shrink tubing). One of the small terminals to each solenoid is grounded, the other receives +12 volts when the ECM sees less than 60 deg. air at start up. My truck starts fine without the heaters down to about 32deg. before I notice some hesitation. Good luck and let us know what you find. bg

 

[DHorine]

IT'S FIXED!!!!!!! They found a loose recirculation line on the back of the head that returned the fuel. Using a clear fuel line, air bubbles were detected and the search began. It was very difficult to get to, but once tightened, my truck starts before the key gets all the way around. Thank you for all of your help and spread the news.