Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) wont start

[jakprince]

My friend has a 2000 dodge ram. He filled it up and drove it home shut it off and it hasn't started since. You can hear the lift pump run but havent tested the fuel pressure. Would the vp 44 fail like that?What would be our best plan of attack?

 

[Rattler]

My 99 did this very thing a couple of times over the course of the first VP. I never did figure out why this happened. I finally replaced my original VP last year at 184K. Randy

 

[Colando]

Before you do anything test your fuel pressure then get rid of that piece of junk lift pump that Dodge sells you. Go with a Fass or Airdog there both good and should eliminate any future lift pump problems. But while your at it Install a fuel pressure gauge!

 

[Missouri Mule]

Do the key thing to get codes (if any) of odometer. ( key on,key off, key on, key off, key on very quickly)

Vp44s are strange animals they can quit anytime.

 

[jakprince]

Whats the easiest way to check the fuel pressure?Can it be done without buying the $50 vulcan tester that genos sells

 

[B.G. Smith]

Before you check for pressure, get a small container and drain some fuel from the filter housing and inspect for water/trash. If the fuel is clean then proceed. Look at the fuel filter, locate the fuel line running toward front of engine, it is attached to the VP with a banjo bolt. Loosen this bolt slightly (about one turn) then have someone turn the ign. key to start and release but don't turn off, the lift pump should run for several seconds. If you see fuel coming out at this point, tighten the banjo bolt and loosen the line at injector 3-4-5, crank engine over a few times, if fuel comes out at the lines, tighten back up and try to start. Don't run the starter for more than a few second at a time to keep from overheating same. bg

 

[JLandry]

Whats the easiest way to check the fuel pressure?

There should be a Schrader valve on the VP44 fuel injection pump fuel inlet fitting where a fuel pressure gauge can be connected.

Can it be done without buying the $50 vulcan tester that genos sells

Yes... places like Harbor Freight Tools and eBay sell inexpensive fuel pressure test kits for about $25 or less. Whatever kit you choose, make sure it will connect to a Schrader fitting... most will except for the cheap vacuum/pressure test gauges.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[jakprince]

well he didnt check the pressure but loosened up the line at the injection pump and said there was alot of fuel comming out with the lift pump running. I told him to check for codes. He also loosened no 1 injector line but didnt get anything out of it

 

[VHolloway]

Replace starter relay and clean battery cables you may need to clean the starter post as well. I spray my cables with eezox gun care after a good cleaning