Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) need starting help NOW please

[nwcatman]

we just changed the fuel filter on my sons 1999 3500 and now it won't start and he needs to go. we can hear the filter canister filling up for about 5 seconds but the engine won't fire up. HELP !!!

 

[rweis]

Give a telephone number to call. Quicker than running post back and forth.



Bob Weis

 

[mlockner]

Break an injector line loose and bump the starter to run the lift pump to prime the system and make sure you are getting fuel to the injectors. You may need to do this several times to get it primed. If you get fuel to an injector, break 2 or 3 other lines loose and get fuel to them and then you can most likely get it started again. His lift pump may be gone and not pumping enough or any fuel. Thats the place to start and usually what has happened when you do a filter change and can not get it going again. Good Luck.

Mike L.

 

[nwcatman]

361 449 3067 thanks

 

[PC12Driver]

The starter can take 30 seconds at a time, with a 5 minute cool off between attempts. Sometimes it'll take the full 30 seconds.



Or crack a few of the injector lines at the head (like 1, 3, and 4) with a 19mm wrench. Back them off slightly to open the line between the injector lines and the injector. Then crank the engine over for a couple of 5-10 second attempts. The idea is to purge the air out of the high pressure lines. After 10-20 seconds of cranking, snug everything back up and go back to the 30sec/5min routine.



**Be careful -- the fuel at the injector lines is under VERY HIGH PRESSURE while the engine is turning over and can cause injury**



With that being said, you shouldn't need to crack the injectors to get things running after a filter change. The lift pump is probably either gone or on it's way out. I don't suppose you have a fuel pressure gauge on it, do you?

 

[PC12Driver]

Okay, so I'm the slow typer of the group...

 

[nwcatman]

no- no pressure gage on it. will try ur advice now. thanks.

 

[nwcatman]

also---when key is turned to the ON position and to the OFF position, there is a "farting" noise under the hood somewhere. a release of air noise.

 

[nuv22]

every time i change my fuel filter i have to do the line crack at the injectors on the head. if you do 1 3 and 4 like pc12driver said you will probably see a few bubbles come out and then after a few minutes of crankin! and cool down of the starter it shuld start right up. (My LP is fine also) it freaked me out first time i ever changed the Fuel Filter.

 

[DavidC]

Have you tried holding the throttle half way down while cranking?. That usually works for me. May take up to 4 attempts about 5 secs. each or so.

You should also loosen the rear most plug on the fuel canister before doing this and bump the engine until diesel and not air shows up. That's if you did not do this already.

Dave

 

[SHobbs]

I have always had luck with loosening the supply line to the Vp44 and leaving the water drain open at the same time. Bump the starter let the LP run then close the water drain then tighten the supply to the VP44 and it usually starts with the first try. Never had to crack an injector line yet.

 

[DHayden]

Cracking the line at the VP44 is much easier as stated earlier and has always worked for me. If you dont want to mess with all that, have your son spray some WD40 in the intake while you crank it over. DO NOT use starting fluid, it is VERY combustable and will cause a run away if you don't know what your doing but the WD40 will be fine.