Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trouble starting - hot

[SVWindwalker]

My 2000 Dodge diesel just began to not start, after it was hot, and then only sporadically. I had changed the fuel filter, driven 200 miles locally, then headed to Colorado with no problems. There I filled the tank with #1 diesel, drove 5 minutes and shut it off. 10 minutes later it would not start. I tried 3 times, then drained enough fuel to check for water and again tried to start - no dice. I then left the truck for 20 minutes and when I came back the truck started right up. That evening after a warmup of 6 or 8 stops, the truck did the same thing. I had the codes pulled at a diesel shop the next day and everything was normal. No problems that day, 2 the following day, and none since - but as you might imagine, I am gunshy.

103000 miles, stock truck, no fuel pressure gauge yet.

Help! t talcott

 

[RonaldLarson]

Swag

Scientific wild ***** guess. You should not be using #1 fuel. It's thinner in consistency, and with the miles on your truck, your lift pump may be worn enough to put more fuel back to the tank, instead of the injector pump. Could also be the Injector pump, as difficult hot starts usually mean it is failing.

Like I said, it's a SWAG, but it can be easily diagnosed with a pressure gauge.

Ron

 

[J.Keith]

TTalcott,

I had the same problem at 198,000. I replaced the ECM, Lift pump, Crankshaft sensor, and starter. Nothing. Turned out to be the Injection pump.

Hope this helps.

Joe

 

[SVWindwalker]

Thanks for the feedback. Now that I am out of the high country, I am again using #2. I am looking at gauges and installation kits - any suggestions. Terry

 

[RonaldLarson]

gauges

I bought the electric gauge from Genos, and I'm very pleased, so far. it's been on for four months. The price was right.

I did add a grease gun hose in order to remote the sending transducer. I zip tied the transducer to the wiring harness right above the fuel filter, where the fitting is located for the pressure test. I remote mounted the transducer to eliminate failure from engine vibration. I mounted the gauge in the hole in the dash which is un-used, to the right of the radio, down low.

Ron