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Truck won't start after changing fuel filter

Old Feb 8, 2009 | 12:58 PM
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notched's Avatar
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Truck won't start after changing fuel filter

Hi, this is my first post.

I finally changed the fuel filter in my '01 Dodge 2500. After changing this, my truck won't start! I did a search and I tried just about everything that I read. Filled the canister with diesel. Clicked the key to "Start" to get the pump running. Opened the 1st three injectors to get them to flow at the head. Also jumped the white wire on the lift pump directly to the battery.

While I had the jumper wire on the lift pump, I couldn't hear it run. I even had the ignition key to the on position.

So, any ideas? Think my lift pump is toast and it happened at a coincidental time of changing the filter?
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 01:10 PM
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I think it's a common thing that once you change the filter, people notice the LP is dead, have you ever replaced the LP? If not I would invest in either FASS/AIRDOG/WALBRO kit. I went through 3 LP before I realized it would be worth it to switch. Did the Glacier Diesel kit with the walbro, it was easy to do, now I maintain 19psi idle, no lower than 16 WOT.

Also, adding a fuel pressure gauge should be your first mod (or a complete set of gauges)
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 01:13 PM
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did you try cracking the line going from the fuel canister to the injection pump ?
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 02:57 PM
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Just hot wire the L.P. and see if it runs...
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 04:08 PM
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Your lift pump is probably dead. Take the top off the canister and turn on key but the bowl does not fill. Found this out the hard way myself
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 06:06 PM
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i just changed my fuel filter yesterday, at first i dident start.
i took out the plugs on top of the filter and it did fill but still dident start.
then i just kept cranking it.
i cant remember how long but eventually it started.
maybe you should crank the hell out of 'err
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 13ALPHA
have you ever replaced the LP? If not I would invest in either FASS/AIRDOG/WALBRO kit..

Also, adding a fuel pressure gauge should be your first mod (or a complete set of gauges)
I haven't ever changed the LP. This truck is fairly new to me. I think it has 125k miles or so. Can't remember the exact number.

I'll definitely add some gauges soon.

Originally Posted by Zeus1987
did you try cracking the line going from the fuel canister to the injection pump ?
Just tried this tonight. No pressure what so ever. Tiny bit of fuel dribbled out.

Originally Posted by thumper549
Just hot wire the L.P. and see if it runs...
Did that. I don't think it runs. I can't hear it. Does it sound like a typical fuel pump?

Originally Posted by louddodge
Your lift pump is probably dead. Take the top off the canister and turn on key but the bowl does not fill. Found this out the hard way myself
This is something that I haven't tried. I wasn't sure if I should run without the canister lid on. I'll try this!

Originally Posted by badbadcompany
i just changed my fuel filter yesterday, at first i dident start.
i took out the plugs on top of the filter and it did fill but still dident start.
then i just kept cranking it.
i cant remember how long but eventually it started.
maybe you should crank the hell out of 'err
Hmmmm, what plugs? I didn't see any plugs?
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 07:47 PM
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if you cant hear, it its broke! it likely has been broke for a long time, as the engine will run without the LP. hopefully it has not compromised your VP.
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 08:17 PM
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if fuel just dribbled out of the fitting on top of the fuel canister then i would say your LP is dead.
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 08:44 PM
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JUST STOP !! The injector pump VP 44 is 1200 to 2000 bucks (depends on the quality you want ) and will be ruined w.o. the lift pump working.
So that's your 1st mission, be glad you caught it now !!
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 02:03 PM
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OK, thanks for the help guys. I'm trying to go on a nice mini-vacation this weekend with my wife and this happened. Better in my shop than on the road I guess. I'm going to pick up a new LP at Oregon Fuel Injection today at lunch.

#$%@ Dodge dealer wanted $530 bucks for a stock LP!! Luckily I found one elsewhere...

I'm also going to get a low pressure warning light and a pressure tester. Eventually I'll get a pillar gauge as well...
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 03:29 PM
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OK, picked up my pump. Will install tonight.

Ended up getting a liquid cooled pump, but can't remember the brand...
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 10:03 PM
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From: SW Minnesota
My original LP died 3yrs ago, I put a FASS 95gph on, utilizing the factory fuel filter. 16psi at idle 24psi WOT after 6000hrs and 200K miles. The best way I've found to make the truck start after changing the fuel filter is to bump the ignition to cycle the pump, and use something to hold the valve stem in on the schrader valve on the VP44. This bleeds out all of the air and when I have a good stream of fuel I quit. Truck runs every time.

FWIW

Matt
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 06:31 AM
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i bled mine out once and it wouldn't start. The wife suggested putting 5 gal in the tank and after turning the key 1/2 way a few times it worked.
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 07:25 AM
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Notched, you did not get the intank conversion kit did you?

Up to you, but I wouldn't go that way, if it dies on the road, you are stuck yanking the tank or taking it to a mechanic.

I would darned sure use a aftermarket electric pump on the frame rail if you did not want to use a stock LP.
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