Hello, I own a 1995 4x4 Xcab Dodge Cummings with 210,000 miles... and im new to this forum

Well I have been having some starting problems that has gradually gotten worse. It first came to light this last winter when it was extreemly cold out, I thought it was my pre-heater pad acting up so I made sure to keep it plugged in. Over the summer however the problem did not go away, I had problems starting my truck in all temputure ranges from 100+ degrees to 0 degrees.

What weirds me out is that it's so intermitant, and sometimes only after shutting it down for 5 minutes. It's imbarrasing to have a Diesel cranking in some public parking lot for 5 some minutes

This morning I almost ran both of my batterys dead before it finally fired up.

Also of note I think it *might* be leaking Diesel on the ground, I find a small puddle of Oil based substance but it's not black like motor Oil should be, well it leaks motor oil also from the front main seal but im not going to replace that (only like 1 qt per 6,000 miles)

please please tell me I don't need to rebuild the fuel pump or get a new one, I can't really afford that atm..

I had the Dealer change the Fuel filter but it was quite a long time ago, maybe 40,000 miles?? not sure but at most 40,000 miles... feel free to punch me in the head for not changing that regularly its such a PAIN to change!!

Im fairly certian it's a fuel related problem, it seems as if the fuel is loosing its prime and im having to suck up fuel all the way from the tank, but sometimes I have to crank the engine for such a long time that I woulda figured it should suck the fuel back up sooner than that ?? not sure how long it takes to suck fuel back up like if you was to run completly out of diesel then tried to start again once you filled the tank back up.

why is it so intermitant? I'll drive it a week with no problems, instant startup then all the sudden a week of headache where I don't want to turn the dang thing off.

 

Ok I did more digging and found that I might be needing to replace fuel lines, I'll gladly do that first But I would kinda think that leaky fuel lines would create a steady problem? Not an intermitant one like I have, and if fuel is leaking on the ground then that would be a fairly good size hole in my fuel line....


What is the best way to pressurize the fuel tank? Does Napa have some air hose adapter that will plug up the fuel nozzle?

 

Sounds like the rubber fuel hoses at the driver's side rear of your engine are leaking letting in air. How hard it is to start depends on how full your fuel tank is or if the truck is parked on a grade.

It can leak in air without leaking fuel out and will have to be replaced
eventually on 100% of 12 valves.
You will need about two feet of 5/16'' and two feet of 3/8'' diesel rated hose, a couple of clamps for each hose and a lot of patience, it's a tight fit. It is availible as a
kit here for $14.95
http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm
In the picture below you can see the line where it passes under the water temp sensor (upper right) the end with the clamp is to the left of the fuel filter, which needs to be removed to gain access. If you have vacuum assisted brakes ('94-'96) you will also need to remove the two nuts that hold the master cylinder with fluid reservoir and move it towards the drivers side, pull the large vacuum hose off the brake booster, it moves easier than it looks no need to disconnect any brake lines.
To get to the other end of the hose you need to move the two relays on the firewall with their bracket out of the way, one 3/8'' screw under the hood seal does it. Remove the hose hold down clamps towards the rear of the filter. I also completely remove the engine lift hook. Now you can follow the hose down by feel and remove the clamp. The rest with the new hose is self evident.
The intake line is 3/8'' in the same area but a little easier to get at.
Sure wish it was as easy to see as this diagram, the only place you can really see the line is right past the hold down clamps a few inches forward of the temp sender, even then you can only see a couple inches of it. Most of the job has to be done by feel.

 

Extra note, be wary of know it all auto parts counter guys who think fuel line is fuel line. The line material made for gasoline will melt with diesel and you'll be back where you started in a couple of months.

Living in western WA you should join up with http://www.nwbombers.com/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?
Great bunch of guys who help each other out. I'm sure if you ask your question there that several folks will offer to help you with it.

 

My truck was doing the same thing a couple of weeks ago. It just wouldn't start, then I smelled fuel. Turns out the Dodge dealership knicked my fuel line with a grinder!!!!!!!!!!!!! They couldn't figure out how to get my injector pump off so they just started grinding away parts that got in the way. (yeah, I wouldn't believe it either until I saw the chunk of steel widdled away) Luckily, I got the metal fuel line fixed for $130. Obviously I don't let any Dodge dealership touch my Cummins any more!!!!!

 

should've gotten it paid for man

 

Greasy: I cant believe that no one has mentioned it, but id be willing to bet money its your fuel shutof solenoid relay, or the rubber boot itself on the relay getting caught up in the shaft, but id be willing to bet its the first. My uncles, and cousins trucks were doing the same thing, and the relay fixed both of them. Then my uncles got the rubber boot caught up in the shutoff solenoids shaft, and we pulled the boot off all together, because it was so worn/holey. The thing about the relay is that sometimes it would work, and sometimes it would take forever to start them. Have you had any luck with it yet? Good luck.

Eric

 

The relay fixed it, thanks for the help guys

 

I would check your fuel lines as well they are going to give trouble sooner or later!

 

and replace your fuel filter