Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Starting is getting hard?

[WilliamTaylor]

Hi,



I have a 1998 Dodge 2500 Ram with 5. 9 24V Cummins, 80K miles, auto transmission.

My problem:



The first crank of the day, or a crank after the truck has been sitting a few hours is becoming more and more difficult.

I recently replaced the fuel filter and that didn't help.

Before the first crank of the day I let the fuel pump run until it stops. I then

bump the engine and let in run again. Sometimes I get lucky and she starts up, other times it takes several try's. Now if I kill the engine and re-crank after

only a few minutes it fires right up. It also runs fine once started.

Now today I noticed something new. When cranking the first time I heard some 'pop' sound a couple times, like metal hitting metal, like someone was

under the hood hitting the engine with a large screwdriver. She eventually started and ran fine. Again this only happens on a cold start( and I don't mean the weather as its hot here in Mississippi. ) And the truck runs great once its started



From reading the forums i'm guessing it might be my lifter pump?



Any advice guys.



Thanks!

 

[WilliamTaylor]

One other thing I forgot to mention. When this first started, it only happend

when the truck was sitting on a incline(nose in the air).

 

[McDowra]

have you checked fuel pressure?

 

[WilliamTaylor]

No I don't have any way to check this myself.