pugdog

My 2001 Dodge 2500 5.9 Cummins truck was hard to start after a 100 mile run up the highway. It has always started within 1 or 2 revelutions of the motor (I am the original owner). Now it takes 3 turns of the key (each about 3-4 seconds) and a pumping of the accelerator to get the truck to start. Then it runs fine. It has done this 2 times now on a long distant trip pulling my 5th wheel when warm. When cold it seems to turn over slower than before but it does start. I installed one new battery (the old one was 9 years old) but it didn't seem to help. The other battery was replaced 2 years ago and tests out fine. Someone suggested that it was a bad glow plug but I understand this truck came with a grid heater. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Sam

oliver foster

Usually when the VP44 is on it way out, the motor gets hard to start, esp. when hot.

Hodge

Do you have a check engine light on?

pugdog

No check engine light and I checked for codes by turning the key on and off 3 times and it only came up P PCU, P DONE, P ECU, P DONE. I believe that to mean no codes detected. Forgive my ignorance but what is a VP44 and how astonomically expensive is it to replace?

Clunk

The VP44 is the injector pump for our 24 valve Cummins. Mine cost $1023 for a rebuilt pump and I installed it myself.

Here's more,
The fuel pressure needs to be known.
If you have an old R12 Freon install kit w/gauge, you can use it to check the lift pump fuel pressure, otherwise kits are avalable at most chain type auto parts stores.

Don't forget to close the fill valve.





Screw the connector on the fitting of the injector pump on the driver's side of the engine.
Turn the keyswitch just enough to "bump" the starter to get The Free 25 Second Lift Pump Run.



Stock spec is 10psi+, most folks look for 15psi.

pugdog

Thanks for the info.

pugdog

I took the truck to the dealer for a diag. They informed me that the starter was causing a "draw" and was the problem. Doesn't sound right to me but they had it for 3 hours searching for the problem and I do trust the shop. New starter is $850 installed. I can put it in myself for half of that. Now I'm not sure what to think. UPDATE: just got back from the shop and was informed that the lift pump is leaking and has low pressure.......$1040 to replace with new retrofit inside fuel tank. Boy these diesels can be money pits. I long for the days when you could tune up your old Chevy with points, plugs and a condensor.

Clunk

Don't go for the intank, I've read of many failures on these sites and they end up getting replaced with FASS or Airdog lift pumps.

Check the phone book for performance diesel shops if you don't have time to do it yourself.