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Reasons for '89 to crank but not run?

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Old May 31, 2006 | 09:07 PM
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v8440's Avatar
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From: Alabama
Reasons for '89 to crank but not run?

Hi all,

I've been looking over the stuff at an auction, and there's an '89 dually with a flatbed that cranks but won't run. I know nothing about the VE pumps, so I don't know where to start. Tomorrow I will go crack an injector line and see if fuel is getting there. I doubt any will be. Worst case, (assuming it isn't simply out of fuel) what would a rebuilt injection pump cost? That's the worst thing I can think of that would keep it from running, since it cranks over normally.

A little background: This truck has a sizeable dent in the right front fender, but cosmetically is pretty much ok otherwise. It's a 5 spd, and I have no idea about clutch or steering condition since it won't run. It has 267k on it, which should not be worn out at all unless the engine was severely abused.

Questions: What gear ratio is it likely to have (could find no sticker), and what kind of mileage will it likely get when running ok?
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Old May 31, 2006 | 09:17 PM
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I don't no for shore about the pump but it seams like around $1200?
My truck had 4:10 and and some had 3:55 and i have heard of spessle order truck with 3:09? or some thing close to that!
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Old May 31, 2006 | 09:20 PM
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Yeah, I think it's 3.07. I hope it has those-great mileage. I plan to do no towing with it-my '98 dually will handle that. I'd like the mileage, and the chance to tinker with a 1st gen, which I never have had before. If I get it, it'll be quite a change in power: 160 hp at the flywheel vs 400 at the wheels.
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Old May 31, 2006 | 09:22 PM
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1 . At the back of the pump you will see a sender that has two separate wires with spade connectors if either one is loose or unhook she will half offer but not start. 2. The ve has a manual shut off lever .. . Also known as poor man's theft deterant
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Old May 31, 2006 | 09:27 PM
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I'm voting on a fuel solenoid not getting power... usually if it's the injection pump/etc. it'll at least TRY to fire...that's low miles, I'd gamble on it
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Old May 31, 2006 | 09:47 PM
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i think a VE can be had for about $800
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Old May 31, 2006 | 10:53 PM
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You guys are encouraging me here. I'll take a VOM with me tomorrow, and see if either wire is not getting power. BOTH should be with the key in the run position, right? As for the manual shutoff, where on the pump is it? I tell you, I'm really ignorant about VE pumps, and not too swift about P7100's either!


*Edit* Just thought of something-the ignition switch in the truck is messed up. There's no key in it, but the buzzer goes off when you open the door. The "handle" you can turn along with the key will turn to run and start even though there's no key in it. I wonder if something electrical in the switch is fouled up such that it will trigger the starter solenoid but not supply power to the fuel solenoid? Boy, wouldn't THAT be a nice scenario?
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Old May 31, 2006 | 11:53 PM
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From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
The boys are right about those electrical connections on the pump. Replace them and use some dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion. Twice when I was trying to show off how easy the cummins starts, it would not start at all until I wiggled these connections. Since I redid the connectors, it has always fired immediately. This is kinda the opposite to the problem where you can't shut it down but the problem is in the same device.
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Old Jun 1, 2006 | 12:28 AM
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Yes, where is the manual shut-off control on the pump? I didn't realize there was one.
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