Truck won't start

[PLaFrombois]

Need some expert advice for a new 3rd gen owner. Sorry but may be long. I even had to post on 911 for the first time.



Here's the situation. Monday, I decided to change my fuel filter for the first time. Everything went fine, very easy compared to my '99. Got everything tightened up, and bumped the starter 3x's, turned the key wouldn't start just turned over. Bumped the starter 3-4 more times, would just turn over, not even a hicup. Was told I have air in the system, and need to purge at the injectors. I was only able to crack #1, #3, #4 lines, other ones I just couldn't get. Bumped the starter, and had fuel coming from the three lines. Tightened the lines, and bumped the starter 3 more times, still wouldn't start. Went out the the next morning, cracked the three injector lines, and opened the fuel cap. Bumped the starter 3x's tightened everything up. Turned over and started. Let it idle for a few minutes, and turned it off. Started right up.

Had a five hour round trip, and no problems. Today, I took it on some morning arrands, and no problems. Parked it in the driveway for a couple of hours before I needed to go into town. Went out to start the truck, just turns over.

Matt came over after work, and we pretty much did the same thing as what I did earlier. Bumped the starter, cracked lines, checked for air, Just turns over. We even bumped the starter 10-12 times thinking that might be needed. Same thing, turns over but not even a burp.

Need advice on what I should look into next. Hurry, starting to get discouraged.

Thanks Matt for the help.



Paul

 

[cummins_crewcab]

If it started up and drove for 5 hours then it definately doesn't have air in it anymore...



But it sounds like a lift pump gone out/going out.

 

[barleysoda]

I just changed my fuel filter yesterday and took a bit to get it started but no problems since. It sounds like a lift pump but the problem has only existed since your filter change so you might want to double check your filter install.
Make sure the filter is still snapped into the top of the lid and also did you check to see that the old rubber gommet on the bottom of the fuel filter is STILL on the old filter you removed. The instructions say these may fall off when pulling out the old filter.

 

[nick05]

i would also say LP. do you have a FP gauge? what year is the truck? your LP is either on the back of the filter housing or in the tank. they were having problems with the ones on the filter housing, i guess thats why they're in the tank now.

 

[PLaFrombois]

Update



Still sitting in the driveway. I was able to find a lift pump and replacement hose today. I struggled, but was successful in putting it oren. Bumped the starter about 10-12x's turns over, but not a burp. I was told to try a different brand filter, so I'll try and find someplace that's not closed. I did notice a different sound to the pump from the old one. The new one sounds like it is pulling fuel.



Are there any sensors that may cause this problem?



Sorry about not updating the signature. Haven't had the truck long enough.



'03 3500 six-speed. 45,587 miles.



Paul

 

[Bob4x4]

Do not ever crack the lines on a common rail while it is running... ... ... . very unsafe on an 03 you are looking at about 5500psi on an 05 closer to7k. At this pressure it is possible for the fuel to penetrate your skin. You do not have to crack the lines to bleed... ... ... . The injectors are Electric,they will open regardless of having any air in the lines. Be safe



Bob

 

[nick05]

there is a crank sensor that is down by the flywheel that may not be picking up a reading. but not sure if that would be the cause. there is a fuel pressure and map sensor up by the hard fuel lines. make sure the connectors are fully locked in if you were messing around in that area. i don't know if or ever where the cam sensor is on these new engines. maybe try starting it with either once just to see if your even getting any fuel.

otherwise maybe a weekend i could stop over and help. i'm over in waukesha so it's about 1 1/2 drive.

 

[PLaFrombois]

Sorry, I forgot to give an update. Crank Sensor.



Thanks



Paul

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Nice. How in the world did that thing just decide to take a dump... and then run fine... and then take another dump... and then run fine... and then take it's last and fateful dump?



Maybe I ought to keep a spare in the Jeep's glovebox...



Matt

 

[Big MAK]

Yep... it's not a bad idea at all to keep a spare fuel pump in a toolbox.



Crank Position sensor sounds like a good place to look too -- since this is intermittent.