My 92 Dodge diesel won't start if I park pointed up hill more than a few degrees. It's fine level or pointed down hill. Makes no sense to me if the fuel pick up assembly is in the back of the tank! Doesn't matter if the tank is full, half full or quarter full.
I sorta recall an article somewhere about this and was hoping someone could point me in that direction. It's my only road worthy vehicle so really need to get this fixed. Thanks
Ron

 

Park facing downhill

 

Was hoping for help not comedy -

 

My guess would be that you have a leak in your return line or your lift pump is bad

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Possible fuel pump or fuel lines leaking allowing fuel to drain back to fuel tank, also check your oil level make sure oil level is not above full mark. That would indicate diesel fuel from lift pump or from VE pump seal is leaking. These engines will run with a bad fuel pump but if the fuel lines are allowing air into the fuel system then long crank or no start will result. The VE pump will not be able to pull the fuel up from the fuel tank if air gets into fuel lines. Facing down hill allows gravity to keep the fuel from draining back to the fuel tank. Replace hard or any cracked fuel lines and the lift pump.

 

I am no expert on these issues, but it seems that it is a borderline pressure issue. Enough when flat or downhill, but enough for uphill. That could be a weak lift pump, or maybe a positional air leak. Try putting a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what happens...Mark

 

Man 3 of us typing at once, too bad I hunt and peck...Mark

 

Its kinda funny that were all telling him the same thing too!

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Could be a bad delivery valve on the injection pump. When the truck is started the gear on the injection pump causes a flow pressure which opens the delivery valve. When the pump isn't turning that pressure is lost and the valve should close causing the fuel to stay in the lines with pressure. Bad valve and you have fuel going back to the tank through the primary fuel line. You could fix this with a fuel pump or change out the valve.

 

Thanks for the help,
Regarding the delivery valve, is it accessable while mounted on the engine and will I be asking for trouble if I remove it and attempt to clean or inspect it by possibly allowing dirt into the pump?
Where would I look on line for a delivery valve?
Thanks
Ron

 

Sorry bannard, I just realized the location of the valve - looks like I will have to remove the pump?
I have already replaced the lift pump. Never though of the fuel delivery valve but did wonder about the fuel lines.
Also recall seeing something some time ago about the fuel pick up mechanism in the tank being a possoble problem but can't find that again.

 

Is this a VE IP?

If so this will get you started;

http://www.dieselbombers.com/1st-gen...operation.html

good write up

 

Mine used to do that mostly on hot days, my lift pump started leaking externally so it was replaced, and the starting problem seemed to go away. About 2 years later it started again but not as severe, a few months later the lift pump started leaking externally again, it to was replaced and the starting problem went away for a while but began to start again but not as severe. The engine also had a idling problem on hot days. Here's the kicker since I have turned in my fuel screw both off those problems have seem to have gone away, I have been told its a sign of a weak injection pump. Just my experiences hope this helps for you trouble shooting.

Steven M.

 

Ron, delivery valves are easy enough to change outside ( not internal to pump ) but before you go wild, try this. With the truck parked uphill like it normally wont start, use the priming lever of the lift pump to prime the system. If she starts right up, then your issue is with a loss of prime, and you can rule out the tank pickup. At that point, I would replace every bit of rubber hose in the system with new diesel rated hose.

 

Thanks Pat,
I'll give that a try tomorrow. It does have a brand new lift pump.