I just purchased a 98 12-Valve, 4x4, Extended cab (not a quad cab), 250,000 miles on it. Previous owner had a 4" banks exhaust put on along with a pyro and boost gauge.

I picked up the truck and ran it out of fuel on the drive home. Filled it back up and parked it for a little while (work issues), probably two weeks. I started the truck up once or twice while it sat and also pulled the old gauges in favor of newer ones.

I got a chance to drive the truck home and I drove it home without the gauges; maybe 10 miles.

I let it sit a little while longer and started it every week or so. The last time I started it it fired right up and idled for about one minute. The truck sputtered out and died and would not fire back up. I tried it again the next day and nothing: It will crank but not catch.

I looked at fuses but thats about it. I plan on replacing fuel filters and start looking around for problems, but any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Well the first thing that I would check would be the fuel shutoff solenoid since that is an easy check. And if that isn't the problem then you may need to crack the injector lines to bleed the air out, and if that doesn't work you may be getting air into your fuel lines from somewhere.

 

i would check the fuel filter just because you dont know the maintinence history on the truck. maybe check the lift pump as well. no fuel =no start. good luck!

 

I've done some searching, but what is the easiest way to check the fuel shutoff solenoid?

 

Here is a link to an adjustment procedure, but it should at least show you where it is.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/trouble..._solenoid.html

Does that help any?

It should move in and out when you try to start the truck (not sure which way).

If not I can get a picture for you tomorrow, or maybe even a quick video.

 

Yes that will help, thanks.

Should it be obvious if the solenoid is not working or should I check it with a voltmeter?

 

I got a little video clip for you it will be ready in just a sec .

 

Here is a question for you: When you try to start your truck, does it seem as though the truck is running when the starter is turning? If you give it a little bit of gas will the motor actually rev up? That is what mine did when the solenoid was bad, and as soon as I let off the starter it would die.

Watch the little video I made for you to see the fuel shutoff solenoid in all of its glorious action . Notice how it pulls up when I bumped the starter? Try this on your truck, have someone watch it for you. Then when you turn the ignition off then it should return to the closed position. For the time being you can manually move the solenoid when you want to start and stop your truck. If that is in fact the problem you should check the relay FIRST before you go and buy a whole new solenoid!

Here is the relay you should try replacing FIRST:
Scroll down and find the relay, it is $19.90.

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

Here is the cheapest replacement solenoid I could find. This is a good site by the way not just some random one I picked off of Google.

http://www.citydiesel.net/shutoff-so...l99p0mksgqk6q4

And last but not least here is the video of the solenoid in action, sorry it was dark out .

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MVQdOi3nBhs

 

check the rubber hoses on the lift pump for dry rot, they tend to crack and allow air in the system...

 

Thank you for all the help.


I checked out my shutoff solenoid before seeing the video and it seemed to work and get the volts it needed.

I cleaned and checked the prefilter and also changed the main fuel filter. Primed it back up and then she fired up after that. I guess it was just a really bad fuel filter. Kind of odd because the PO gave me four new ones and said he did them regularly.


Thanks again for everything.