Truck is a 1997 2500 5-speed.

I know this is a dumb question; but, I never really had reason to know, until now.

Will this truck have a mechanical/engine-mounted delivery-pump, or an electric fuel-pump??

I have not actually seen the truck, yet, and am trying to buy it.

The owner says that when the fuel-tank gets to around 1/4 full, the engine has to crank a long time to start; but, when the tank is fuller, it will start easily.

One person I questioned said that the delivery-pump is probably getting weak.

Another person said that a computer controls the fuel-pump, and a fault in the computer will fool it into thinking the tank is empty, thereby shutting down the pump when the engine isn't running, but once the engine starts, the computer will let it run.

None of this makes sense to me.

I thought the twelve-valve engines had a mechanical pump.

Your thoughts and opinions will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Yes, these trucks came with mechanical lift pump and injection pump in 1997.
Andy

 

The lift pump is mechanical. It's driven by the camshaft. The computer has nothing to do with the fuel system. For starting issues I'd start with replacing the fuel supply/return lines and the fuel preheater to lift pump fuel line. Also, replace the fuel filter and replace the starter contacts. When my 96' 12v had fuel line air leak issues it would act similar. I found the truck would start better if the nose was pointed downhill.


http://fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

No question is stupid on here

and yes teh LP is mechanical, and so is the injector pump. I have the same truck, except i have a vac system, and the 97 had hydroboost..

Rick

 

Generally, when the problem starting is at low fuel levels there is either a leak in the fuel module tubes in the tank or the lift pump is going bad. I just replaced my lift pump because of this. So far so good, and it starts MUCH better all the time.