mtjulie

This is my 1st time posting on ANY forum. I know NOTHING about cars or trucks. My husband of 23 years did - but he died unexpectedly 2 years ago. This was his welding rig, and it's all I have to transport our family of (now) 5. It turns over, but won't start. There's about 10 gallons of fuel in it (it was barely above E before, but someone suggested there might be some air in it and to put in more fuel - I put in 6 gallons last night, didn't work. My neighbor took out the air filter and it was dirty (is the washable kind). I tried to start it not knowing he'd taken it out, and it STILL wouldn't start. The neighbor brought both batteries in to Autozone; they're fine. Truck did this last winter too, but only when it was VERY cold: started, ran for 20 seconds or so, then died, then wouldn't start again. I plugged it in and after about 12-24 hours it would reluctantly start, and was okay as long as I revved it up to ~2 for a few minutes and then kept it plugged in when not in use. Now, and it's not even winter yet, it behaved the exact same way, except after keeping it plugged in for about 36 hours, and weather had warmed up to 50's, it DIDN'T start. I have no money. I was getting ready to sell it and the welder, lead, tanks, etc., and now this happens. It's been a great truck. It just passed emissions, amazingly clean. I read Johnrawdon's 2007 thread, "99 cummins wont start," from beginning to end. Don't really understand it, but I do know if I have to buy more than a new fuel filter, my family will be taking the bus from now on. Not sure there's any hope - any ideas would be welcomed. Sorry such a long post. --Julie

sixgrand

When you turn the key on listen for the fuel pump or lift pump to come on for 2 seconds, if you don't hear it could be problem. Also check fuel filter could be dirty. Check to see if their are any codes on the truck.

06RAM2500

Either the lift pump died or the injection pump is out. If you know someone that can help, have them loosen an injector line and see if any fuel is coming out. You might be able to do it, but don't want to risk you getting sprayed from fuel. Especially at a time like this.

mtjulie

Bless your hearts! Thank you for answering my plea. I am SO blessed - or lucky, or whatever - because a wonderful former diesel mechanic who now works at AutoZone (I met him only once, when I stopped by the other day after taking the bus up there) came over to my house after work. He found that there was some air that got sucked in due to my keeping my fuel level so low ($ issues), and he managed to get it out of there and start it. So I only had to deal with no vehicle from Saturday night 11/12 to Tuesday night 11/15. I was SO worried it would be a $2000 or more fix. I am so happy to have found this forum, though. Thanks for your help. I am now ready to get this truck ready to sell!

catnfool

this forum has a GOOD classified section on it to sell your 99 cummins. I have always had good people to deal with on it. Sorry about your husband; that must be tough on the whole family!!

mtjulie

Thank you so much, and bless your heart! I did get the truck running - it was apparently an air bubble or something like that, and didn't cost me any money! I was so happy. Thanks also for your recommendation about selling it on this site. I will definitely do that. Just trying to finish the inspection/registration process. Do you think I should sell it as a welding rig, or just the truck?
--Julie

Copenhagenjunkie

I would use ksl.com, salt lake classifieds. Try as a welding unit first.

mtjulie

Thank you!