Restarting problem after fuel filter change

[John Berger]

Well I had an interesting experience yesterday. I changed out my fuel filter, following all procedures meticulously, and my truck would not start. This went on for about an hour and a half. I took the filter off after re-draining the strainer, added fresh fuel, and re-primed the system (yes, the lift pump functioned perfectly) but the truck would not start. Finally, I cranked it over and pumped the pedal and voila!!, the truck kicked over like nothing ever happened. My question is twofold: Have any of you had this problem? Why should the pedal being pumped make a difference on these newer vehicles? I was under the impression that fuel delivery during startup was specifically controlled by the ECM. Things are fine and I didn't crank the truck to long for fear of my fuel pump grenading on me for lack of lubrication. I also noticed gel like material in the bottom of my strainer which I had never seen before. It has been cold here in Georgia (unusually so for these parts) so I attribute it to the weather and possible the fuel. Any and all insights are welcome.

John

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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 5 spd; 4:10 LSD rear; Mag-Hytec diff. cover; US Gear EGT and Boost gauges.
Cummins Whup Ass, don't leave home without it

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

John, have you ever checked your fuel pressure at the outlet side of your filter canister? It is possible you have a marginal lift pump.

If that checks out OK, try this next time: Bump the starter without starting the engine and let the lift pump run through its long cycle. Do this twice and it should fire right up. When I replace my filter I reinstall the lid with the chamber only 2/3 full of fuel. I prime it by bumping the starter then it lights off instantly with no smoke or sputter.

Vaughn

 

[Alan Reagan]

Sounds like you might have had an airlock in the system. Usually when that happens, you have to "crack" injector lines to clear it out.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[sdalton]

I had problems too. I bump primed the system three times. Then tried to start it. The engine turned over for about 4-5 seconds before it started. It sputtered for 2 seconds then ran fine from then on. Any suggestions on what I might have done wrong??

 

[John Berger]

Thanks for the replies. I suspected an airlock, but have no way of knowing for sure. Vaughn, I did follow the procedure you recommended in your post and have always done so. Maybe the stars weren't aligned correctly for this change. Who knows. I have not checked the fuel pressure at the outlet, but I'm going to do that this weekend. I want to add a gauge so as to be able to monitor the fuel pressure at all times. Any suggestions on where to get a gauge.


John

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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 5 spd; 4:10 LSD rear; Mag-Hytec diff. cover; US Gear EGT and Boost gauges.
Cummins Whup Ass, don't leave home without it