Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Truck wouldn't start

[azcummins]

Shut the truck off this afternoon and when I came back to it, (about 5min), truck wouldn't start. Would crank but sounded like it was out of fuel. When I tried again, it started, rpms climbed sharply while kicking out TONS of black smoke, came back down to normal idle, grumbled then quit. Did this again when I tried again. Tried one more time and the truck started fine and runs good.



I'm wondering if this has something to do with the TPS. A lot of time when I shift into neutral to coast to a stop, the rpms rev. up and down 100 rpms.

 

[Bigsaint]

Mark ( it is Mark, right ?), did you check your fuel pressure ? I'd check to make sure the lift pump is working first, then go from there. Don't assume that the lift pump is working just because it's buzzing can be heard when you bump the starter. Check the fuel filter canister and see if it has any fuel in it. I think it's actually a good sign that it did restart and then stumble and die. I doubt a blown VP44 would do this. Just my thoughts, hope you get it worked out soon.



My rpm's do that all the time, under the same conditions. Thought it was related to the larger injectors and the combo of the a/c on makes it much more apparent for my truck.



Scott W.

 

[azcummins]

Scott-

(Yes it's me, Mark).



I didn't assum the pressures were bad b/c I have a pusher pump and it is functioning fine. I have Briar's gauge so I'll test it tomorrow.



Hate to think it was the Vp44, but it would be nice to get a new one while I still have 25k mi. worth of warranty left! Of course they'll prob. void my warranty when they see my pusher pump... . jerks... .



thanks for the reply. It was really scary to think I'd have to leave my truck where it was. ( I was in a used truck parts store in downtown Denver... yikes!)

 

[wyosteve]

AZ, I hope I'm not the bearer of bad news, but it sure sounds like what happened to me 2 wks. ago ( see post on "Truck DOA at stealers") Mine started hard like that three times and then would start if I pulled it and finally wouldn't even start that way. Dead VP44. Just got truck back yesterday.

 

[azcummins]

So if I take my truck to the stealer on monday saying it did that, they might not be able to recreate it, and send it back home with me. Is there anyway that they can test the VP44 and see that it is dying or do I have to wait till it is toast?