salmon

After sitting for a few days, my '97 (118,000 miles) turns over, idles at 500 rpm for a few seconds and then dies. After repeated starts, I can finally get it going and then it runs fine. Starts every morning/night but doesn't like to take a few days off. Fuel pump issue? Thanks for your help.

Lil Dog

Most likely fuel lines. Do a search on fuel lines and it should be fully detailed as to what you need to replace. Basically the rubber lines between the engine and the steel lines to the tank for both the feed and the return. They rot, not even visibly, and let air into the system. A good test is to hand prime the truck about 25 strokes before you try to start.. If that fixes it, then it aims at the fuel system getting air.

Oh, and Welcome to the DTR!!!

Here is a link to bookmark... Dodgeram.org It has all the technical information you could need in the diesel section.

infidel

You have a leak somewhere in the fuel system allowing air in the system.
Leaks can suck air in without leaking diesel out.
Most common leak source is a rotted return hose in red below but there can be a few other sources.
I usually replace the hose all the way from the tank to engine and abandon the stock set up rather than just the short section of hose. Besides being easier it eliminates future leaks.
Use diesel rated hose. Not all hose is diesel rated even though the autoparts counter guy tries to tell you different.

Dojman

I would agree. I replaced mine when I bought it(02). I let it sit for a week or eight days some time ago and when I came back it fired up, but died quickly and wouldn't restart. I pumped it, lifted the solenoid up by hand(must have gotten rusty in there) and it fired and ran. That was two months ago, and it hasn't missed a beat since(but it hasn't set long).

salmon

Thanks for the help. I replaced the fuel filter and things are better but I haven't given it the real test of sitting for a few days. My Dodge shop didn't even bring up the possibility of a leak. Thanks again.

infidel

That's why it's better to bring your truck here first