Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) serviceing fuel filter

[LeoD]

Why do I have such a hard time getting my truck running after I change the fuel filter I fill the canister and cycle the pump several times but I have had to crack the injector lines the last two times and even then it took awhile any tricks or advice would be appreciated. also, how often should I change the fuel filter?





1999 2500 QC Magnaflow stainless 4" exhuast, superchip, autometer egr,boost, airraid air filter' 285 michliens

 

[Rattler]

Are you opening one of the brass fittings on top of the filter housing before you cycle the lift pump?This is needed to purge air from the system. Randy

 

[LeoD]

yes I am but also I fill the filter up with a turkey baster even before I cycle and how do you keep fuel from going everywhere

 

[Nate]

On the couple trucks I've worked on I just leave the bowl dry and crack the return line on the VP44. Cycle the lift pump until I get diesel dripping out the line (put a rag under it) and then I tighten and crank it up till it fires up, normally no more than 15-20secs.



If that doesn't work, could be a dead lift pump. I know my buddy's 01 had a dead pump and after enough cranking the shop that installed his Edge system got it running.

 

[JMLambert]

I remove and replace the filter, fill it with clean fuel put it back on cycle the key and fire the truck with no problems.

 

[Supermod56]

Lift pump going bad? What is your pressure when it's running? On my 01 I fill the canister and crack the fitting at the VP and it fires right up. Every 15K is a good schedule to change the filter.



Tom

 

[Joe Mc]

Leo - Try this, do everything you are presently doing (of course minus cracking the injector line) as you are cranking it no longer than 15-20 seconds keep the go pedal floored (don't pump as this does nothing) if it doesn't start leave go pedal floored and after allowing the starter a 30-45 second break, go it again. Don't worry you wont break anything just make sure you give the starter a bit of a cool down between cranking cycles and when it fires up lift off the go pedal immediately - it'll run weird for a few seconds till all the air is purged then smooth right out. I've had mine start and run so rough it stalls after 5 seconds of running - after going for it again she fires up and runs like an old gasser with water in the fuel then clears up and smooths right out. I learned this trick here on the TDR and it's always worked for me. Like I mentioned earlier - I used to have to crack the injector line too - one time I had to crack #1, 3 & 5. But once I learend this trick no more fiddling with injector lines and "hoping" I don't crack a line tightening them back up all the time. Good luck, Let us know if it works for you next time.

 

[Silver_Ram]

Check your fuel pressure. My truck did this one time I changed the fuel filter & I tried the key on, starter bump method to fill the filter housing. 3 days later the Dodge dealer replaced my injector pump.

 

[MYeary]

Pedal to the floor works for me, tried that last time I changed mine.

 

[litespeed]

I used to go through this every time I changed mine until I learned what to listen for. No problems with the lift pump.



I just keep lifting the drain valve on the side of the filter cannister until I hear the pump prime (pump RPM's drop). Usually have to bump the starter 3 or 4 times and lift the drain valve 3 or 4 times to get it primed.



Then it fires right up.