Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) no fuel issue

[RFrancis]

Hey guys, I'm a tech at the dodge dealer here in town and had a customer call me about his 12V he was having some issues with. I havent worked with the 12V much, but spend pretty much every day workin on the 24V's. . The guy replaced the fuel filter, primed the system and it wouldnt start. Said he was pushing the primer button a bunch of times but wasnt getting anywhere.



I told him to just put a new fuel pump in it and go, but he's complaining about it running fine before he did the filter.



Any other ideas to give him?

 

[mwilson]

Start with this...



There is a small plug in the forward fitting on top of the fuel filter housing. Tell him to loosen the plug a few turns and keep pumping the primer until he sees fuel bubbling out of the threads of that plug.

Tighten it back up and the truck should start at that point. It can take quite a few pumps before the filter is filled up.

A broom or telescoping snow brush handle works really well for pumping, by the way.



Let us know if you have more questions.



Mike.

 

[GOlsen]

I agree with Mike. I think it takes over 100 pushes on the primer button to get that filter full.

 

[mwilson]

RFrancis,

If he verifies that the filter housing is full using the method I described above then he may have had the misfortune of his fuel shutoff solenoid relay failing. Sometimes they give out without any warning. All he has to do in that case is turn the key to the on position and then push up on the linkage under the solenoid. It will hold itself up at that point so he can start it as long as he keeps the ignition switch on.



It is hard to advise not knowing what his mechanical ability is, also wonder if he is a newbie or a long time owner of that truck.



Mike.

 

[RFrancis]

yeah i really have no idea what his skill level is. He just called yesterday and wanted to talk to someone about it. But we dont ever see anything older then about 2000 in the shop.



Thanks for the info, i'll pass it on to him and hopefully that will fix it for him.



Thanks again

 

[Joe G.]

Read this> Joe G's fuel system writeup - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

 

[Missouri Mule]

Crack the supply line banjo bolt on the filter, when there are no bubbles just fuel tilghten it up( pushing primer button). Continue to press primer button unitl your overflow starts to squeak, turn key to start depress go pedal at same time.



First thing make sure connector to fuel shut off is connected.

 

[Loren]

Whenever I change the filter in my 1995 12-valve I just crank the starter for about 15 seconds, then wait 10 minutes or so to allow it to cool. I repeat this until the engine starts. It may take three or four cycles before it starts. It runs rough for 15-30 seconds after it finally catches.



I suppose those other suggested procedures will also work, but I’m lazy.



– Loren

 

[rrl989]

My priming button takes 200+ hits before the overflow valve starts squealing, never had any starting issues after a filter change.