Last weekend I changed out my filter on my 01 Dodge Ram Cummins. Little to say this is my first diesel and my first filter change. I did as the owners manual said and drained the fuel, then pulled the filter out. Well, here's were things went bad, I put new filter in, cap was on tight and ready to go. Well, turned the key on truck started then died, bumped the starter just like the owners maul says several time still wouldnt start. Pump ran for 25 seconds then shut off, I bumped that starter over 30 times and it still wouldnt run. I ran both batterys dead trying to get it to start, for some reason my pump wont pump fuel up to the filter why? I had to prime it myself for several hours. Like I said first diesel, can some one help me, am I doing something wrong, or is this just a dodge . Or should I let my Dodge dealer have the headache of changing it.

 

what year is truck

 

You should fill your filter housing with fuel before installing it. Then bump the stater once or twice before starting the engine. Yea, I know the manual doesn't tell you that.

You must now have a big "air bubble" in your Injection Pump and injector lines. Crack open a few injector lines at the injector (19mm or 3/4" wrench) and crank it over. Just crack them about 1/2 turn, then watch for fuel as you crank over the engine. That should clear enough air to get it running. If it starts shut it off and tighten injectors. Then restart and let it run, it might run ratty at first, don't hit the throttle just let it go...it will clear up.

IF...you don't get fuel to the injectors...you could have a weak or dying Lift Pump.

And please fill in your signature so that we know what truck you have. Knowing that makes it much easier for members here to help you. Or post the info with your question.

Hope that you get it running.

 

Your lift pump is probably shot. Without a fuel pressure guage there is no way to tell.

 

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=131341

I also had problems earlier this week.........

 

Do what RAM1999 suggests. My truck did the same thing. If you put a new filter in w/o draining the fuel in the filter housing you just mixed filtered/unfiltered fuel. I keep a 5-gallon can of Diesel in my shop for just this reason. After pulling the old filter I soak the new filter in clean diesel and then top up the filter housing before start-up. Bump the key a few times and letter rip. Good luck.

 

if the lift pump runs like he said, it's probably good. just bleed it

 

They can run and not pump enough.

 

I just drain the canister, put the new filter in and screw the canister on with the bolt. Then, loosen the banjo bolt on top and bump starter. Then when fuel sprays out, tighten it. Then it fires right up and runs fine.
The pump wouldn't just go out while you where changing the filter. You got air in the lines.
After you get juice so you can crank, loosen the banjo bolt and bump it like stated above. When fuel sprays out, tighten it up.
Then follow the line to the other banjo bolt on the pump and do the same.
Then crack the injector lines next to the valve cover and crank for 10 seconds or so at a time with about 30-40 seconds between cranks so you don't fry the starter.
It takes a while but it will fire.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

 

I had the same problem the first time I changed the fuel filter...did everything right too, refilled the canister, bumped the key several times and no go...cracked a couple of injectors and away we went...note...the lift pump wasn't as strong as it once was, I've since replaced the whole system. GET A FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE!!!

 

Thanks for the info, sorry I'm new to this web site. Next time I will by some diesel and refill it after draining it out and then maybe my second filter change will go easy. I love my truck, it pulls my 28ft Dutch 5th Wheel all year round. Just bought a BHAF Filter and took silencer ring out, love the turbo sound. Wife hates the truck, makes me love it even more, I used to have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 4x4 quad cab, my four wheeler had more power and the auto trans gave me problems at 1,500 miles.

2001 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 5sp manual
Cummins

 

Like some if the other guys said, get a fuel pressure gauge to monitor the FP. Doesn't have to be the most expensive one. The stock lift pump is not too reliable & the IP is $$. Do a little reading, save a lot of money.