Archived Truck won't start!

[JBCumminatya]

Was draining fuel from my 00 2500 according to Steve St. Laurent article on page 14 of TDR issue 34. Already replaced 3 fuel filters because of bad fuel purchased once at a station that I don't visit anymore.



When the fuel gauge read between 1/8 and empty I shut off the truck. Then I opened the fuel filter drain valve and turned the key to get the rest of the fuel out with the lift pump. The lift pump did not force any fuel out of the drain hose. I then closed the fuel filter drain valve and tried to start the truck. It ran for a few seconds and then stopped. :{



I tried to start the truck a couple more times. Each time the lift pump made a weird rattling noise for about 10-20 seconds. Don't have any gauges. Wish I did. Any help would be appreciated. Have 52,000 mi. on odometer.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Sounds like you have a dead lift pump . Try opening the drain valve, then turn the key on and just bump the starter (barely crank it) - that will run your lift pump for 20-30 seconds, if it doesn't pump fuel out then you have a bad lift pump (unless your fuel gauge is off and your tank is actually empty).

 

[Bigsaint]

I agree with Steve. You might be able to get it running again by pre-filling the fuel filter canister but do so at your own risk as the VP44 calls for the fuel filtered down to 10 microns I believe. If you are going to try the pre-fill method, at the very least put some fine mesh screen in the tube of a funnel and pour the diesel through the screen. Unless you desperately need the truck, I'd just leave it where it is and order a new Carter through Cummins. Driving it with that dying pump is putting a strain on the injection pump and they are not cheap to replace.



Scott W.

 

[barryg41]

Someone else had your same problem...



here's the thread:



Bad lift pump



Putting compressed air in the tank nozzle to put pressure on the fuel tank might fit your bill. At least it will get you to the parts store!



Hope this helps!

 

[JBCumminatya]

Forgot to mention, I added 5 gal. of new diesel then I saw the gauge needle rise. Then I started the truck and it ran for only a few seconds before stopping.



Hey Steve,

I opened the drain valve, then bumped the starter and fuel did flow faster out of the drain hose. Now what?

 

[Bigsaint]

Close the valve and bump the starter one more time and then try cranking.



Scott W.

 

[pwr2tow]

If your getting fuel flowing from the lift pump and the engine still doesn't start, then you have an air lock in the injector lines some where. Take (i think) a 19 MM wrench and loosen a couple of injector lines where they go into the head and then bump starter a coulple of times until fuel comes out. If fuel still doesn't come out at the head then crank starter for ten seconds let cool a few seconds then try again, as soon as engine starts be prepared to close those injector lines as fuel will shoot out of them. It's best to place a shop rag around the injector lines where you loosen them to catch the fuel. repeat above after allowing starter to cool for 5-10 minutes. Remember to shut the fuel filter drain valve or this will not work and keep it shut. This will get the truck going even if your lift pump is bad but have that lift pump checked and if needed replaced as soon as possible.



Ron

 

[pwr2tow]

Also check your fuel system relay in the power distibution box under the hood located by drivers side battery. Just switch with a different one in the distribution box and see if the lift pump sounds different. had one go bad on me, the pump sounded terrible, what it was is the pump comeing up to speed and then cutting and doing this on and off thing makeing the lift pump sound terrible.



Ron

 

[JBCumminatya]

Turned the ignition key, after 7 seconds the engine fired up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Membership in the TDR more than paid for itself again!!!!!!!!!!! Oo. Oo.



Thanks guys!