Truck won't start. What am I missing?

[Jeff Clark]

The truck started to act like the lift pump was going bad again. I decided to hook up the pressure gauge that I haven't gotten around to doing to see if it was dead. Now I can't get it to start again. I've checked all the fittings on the new lines. They're all tight. I've opened the bleeder screw until I had fuel squirting out. Still no luck. I've been trying for 3 hours now to get the pump to purge, but it won't. What am I missing?

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98. 5 3500 QC 4x4, Driftwood/Mist Grey, 5 spd, 3. 54, 19. 5 Alcoa's, Ranchhand bumpers, DeeZee toolbox, "Physcotty Air", TST PowerMax2, VA, 275's, Autometer Gauges, Centerforce clutch, Upgraded fuel lines (JRE and Aeroquip), MagHytec Diff Cover, PacBrake, Cowl Induction Hood

 

[Idaho Native]

Jeff,

I changed the fuel filter today on my '99. I had the same indications. Patience was the key. I had to do about 5 "max time" cranking periods after "bumping" the starter to prime the system. Don't really have anything else to add. It finally came to life. Make sure you follow the owner's manual limitations on the cranking time... a new starter bill is not a pretty sight! #ad


Loren

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1999 24V 2500 QC HD,5 Spd, Luverne Steps, Predator Topper
1995 Impala SS, Dark Cherry Metallic
1995 Dutchmen 26 foot travel trailer (the "excuse" for the diesel!!)
1997 Honda Shadow ACE 1100
(Too Many Toys)

 

[Jeff Clark]

I let the lift pump run forever. I even had fuel coming out of the bleeder screw indicating that I was getting fuel at least that far.

I talked to a friend that works at a Dodge dealer. He said it sounds like the lift pump or the injector pump. The lift pump runs and squirts fuel. I'm beginning to suspect the injector pump. Anyone have any thoughts on this, where to get a new one? Dealer is out of the question (warranty is up anyway).

 

[LDusky]

Jeff, Did you check all the fuses in the Power Distribution box. The black box underhood driver side. Friend had this problem, was towed in to dealer and it was a fuse. I purchased a couple just in case.

 

[arlan]

Jeff,

I had the same problem a couple of times when playing with my pressure gauge. Have you bled the system at the injectors? That is the only way I could get mine going. When you first tried to start it did it start and then die in less than one second. Just wondering because that is what mine did. Air in the system.

Arlan

 

[HVAC]

I like to bleed the system by loosening the 17mm bolt going into the VP44. Then initiate the lift pump. If you don't think it'a a matter of air in the system then check the relay box. There is a fuel system relay that will disable the VP44 if it's bad. Also there is a fuse (#9) that will disable the VP44.
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Nowel/Performance Diesel

 

[Jeff Clark]

I've checked the fuses and the relays. Everything looks good. I'm still getting fuel at the bleeder screws, but I'm not getting fuel at the end of the the line where it hooks to the isolator for the pressure gauge. I'm going to remove the line for the pressure gauge and see if I can get it started.