Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Truck started, put it in gear, died and now won't start

[Silver Bullet Ram]

I checked the fuel pressure with a gauge and it says o psi before and after the filter. Does the lift pump generate pressure even though the engine isn't running? The lift pump is making noise.

My thinking is the lift pump went out, the vp-44 sucked all the fuel out of filter and the lift pump didn't pump anymore into it and since it had no fuel it sucked air and now won't start. Is my thinking correct?



Gary

 

[R-N-R]

The VP will actually suck enough fuel to run the motor... . until it burns itself up from lack of lubrication. The VP uses diesel fuel to lubricate itself, if you don't have enough pressure via the LP, the VP will soon die.



Can you check for codes through the odometer on an '01? You could also crack an injector line loose to see if fuel is actually being pumped. Did you just install the gauges or have they been on for a while? Just curious on that one. Electric or Mechanical gauges?



No FP is certainly a problem that needs to be addressed. This is also the most logical place to start troubleshooting. I had a problem of putting the truck in gear and having it die, the VP was on it's way out. I have also heard of another TDR member's truck dieing when placed in gear, ECM went bad.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

No codes show up. My truck never shows codes. When the injector pump started going out last fall, it didn't show anything except the only way i can tell is from the tailpipe and fuel mileage. The fuel gauge I have is a one with a hose that screws on to the schrader valves. It has always worked. I have had some issues with the truck here lately, such as performance and fuel mileage. I checked the fuel pressure the other night with it and it was showing 15 psi idle and 10 psi wot but the truck was running good. You can tell with these trucks if something is not right in the fuel system by the way they run. I do have an appointment to have the dealer look at it this week. However it will have to go in on a hook this time. I have 2000 miles left on warranty. Next time it is on me, I may do a p7100 conversion.



Gary

 

[RJPotts]

Your VP is dead. My lift pump was dead for about 1 month before I even bought my truck and the VP was sucking the fuel it needed until it quit. Thats odd for it to happen so suddenly though, luck you still being under warranty.

If you're serious about the P-pump conversion let me know how it works out, I'm interested in doing that too.

-R. J.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

6 hours later after some cranking it started. I think alot of people are interested in a p pump conversion, in fact Scheid Diesel is offering a kit now.



Gary