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Truck wont start this AM -- Just happened

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Old Nov 2, 2007 | 05:21 AM
  #1  
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Exclamation Truck wont start this AM -- Just happened

Good Morning..
Last night after work with out ever any problems I go to leave and the truck just turns over and over. Like its not getting fuel. It would start, then die. 5 or six times and then it started and ran fine.. Drove to dinner, and back home with no problem.

Today I get up, the truck starts right up and I drive off. Drove 15minutes and pulled in for coffee. Come out and the same thing again. Just turns over.
I tried draining some fuel from the gas filter and it didnt completely close when I shut it off. So, when I tried starting it, it just kept pumping fuel out the line. I shut the line off, but yet the truck just keeps turning over and wont start.

I have no errror codes on the dash when I turn the swith on and off 3 times.

Ideas?

**I was running on fumes yesterday and filled the tank completly. Didnt think it was possible to buy bad deisel, but Im no expert.. I just know the truck wont run today.

Thanks all.....

Mr.Stranded!!
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Old Nov 2, 2007 | 07:25 AM
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From: Dallas area
Bad diesel is a possibility... Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? If so are pressures ok? Possible that the lift pump had bit the dust.

Sounds like you are getting air in the lines... Can always try the bleeding procedure. Crack a couple injection lines at the head (19mm) and crank the motor over... When good fuel is coming out of the lines tighten them back down...
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Old Nov 2, 2007 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by bnold
Bad diesel is a possibility... Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? If so are pressures ok? Possible that the lift pump had bit the dust.

Sounds like you are getting air in the lines... Can always try the bleeding procedure. Crack a couple injection lines at the head (19mm) and crank the motor over... When good fuel is coming out of the lines tighten them back down...
Is a fuel pressure guage expensive?
A lot of work to hookup?
Do they carry them at most auto parts store?

If I do find I have air in the lines, is there something causing this to continually happen, or just a one time thing?

Oh, what should I be running for pressure on a stock 2001 24valve?

Thanks
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Old Nov 2, 2007 | 08:31 PM
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From: Cape Cod Ma.
Sounds like what recently happened to me . Quick and dirty maybe??????-----unscrew the fuel filler cap, and run the truck. If the problem clears up thats probably it. This drove me crazy for three weeks someone on this forum helped me out with this solution, Good Luck Frank
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Old Nov 3, 2007 | 08:25 AM
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Using starting fluid for the initial start???

I couldnt find any parts store here with a pressure guage for a test so heres what I ended up doing.

1) Cracked the injectors and turned the motor over. Just a drop every now and then it seems

2) Ran the batteries down so much that I needed a jump start. Put a trickle charger on for 2 hrs and it turned over like the batterys were dead. Installed 2 new batteries (900 CCA)

Still nothing. Just kept turning over and over like I had no fuel\

3) Used starting fluid in the air breather. It started, ran and died. This happed a couple of times and it started. I drove home, shut it off and it started right up. Waited 45 minutes and nothing!! A shot of starting fluid and it fired right up..

I dont know what to try now.. The neighbors thinking I have clogged injectors. 216,000 miles.

Ideas?
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Old Nov 3, 2007 | 09:12 AM
  #6  
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From: League City, TX
Sounds like your feed lines have a leak, and is letting air in when the engine is not running.

Check the fittings at the lift pump and VP44. Something is letting air in (not the injector lines).

Your injectors are not clogged. Something would have to get through the filter and the the VP44 before it got the injector. Besides, clogged injectors typically cause rough running, not hard starts.

You have proved that the cylinders are not getting fuel. You did that with the starting fluid. All of the other symptoms indicate air in the injection pump.


One last thing, I would be real careful with the starting fluid. If your grid heaters were on prior to cranking, the starting fluid vapors could ignite in the intake (at the grid heater elements if they are still hot), and explode in the intake. This has happened before to other trucks. Worst case scenario is that it will blow the intake horn off the engine.
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Old Nov 3, 2007 | 11:28 AM
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First things first - its generally a bad idea to run these trucks on "fumes" as you said. The Injector pump is lubed and cooled by the fuel. A fair bit of fuel is returned to the tank and if there isnt enough volume of fuel in the tank, the injector pump isnt cooled enough, which is hard on it. This is particularily important if you live in a hot climate. Plain and simple, HEAT is the enemy of VP-44's.

Second: When was the last time you changed your fuel filter? There is lots of water and other crap in diesel fuel so it is entirely possible to get a bad load of fuel. Most people here run fuel additive because it reduces the effects of foreigh material in the fuel. Changing your fuel filter might not be a bad idea.

Third: Its ESSENTAIL that you get a fuel pressure guage on this truck and it neds to be mounted in the cab because in most cases you really need to see what the pressure is at Wide Open Throttle. Yes, the swanky electrcial gauges are expensive but you can install a relaible mechanical guage for much less that $40.

All you need is a pressure guage (which doesnt necessarily have to be lighted, a tapped banjo bolt or special hose (depends on where you want to sample the fuel pressure), some 1/8" air brake tubing, a short piece of 1/4" tubing, a needle valve, and a few fittings.

The install on an 01 should look something like this:







The hose goes to the pressure guage in the cab. Obviously, the hose in the pic isnt air brake tubing but you get the idea.

That being said - it sounds like you either have air in the lines or a dead lift pump/injector pump. When you bump the starter (dont start it) you should hear the lift pump run for 20 seconds or so. Does it do that?

Which injector lines did you crack? (be very careful when doing this and never stick youre fingers anywhere near the cracked fitting - alsways use some cardboard). Usually #1 and #3 are enough to get it going.

I hate to say it, but it sounds like your injector and lift pumps are dead - checking fuel pressure and scanning the truck with a scanner will verify or deny that guess. Lets hope that is not the case.

** As already mentioned, unless you unhook the grid heaters, dont use the starting fluid. **
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Old Nov 3, 2007 | 12:16 PM
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Pressure gages are sold for the dodge where?

Originally Posted by Dr. Evil
First things first - its generally a bad idea to run these trucks on "fumes" as you said. The Injector pump is lubed and cooled by the fuel. A fair bit of fuel is returned to the tank and if there isnt enough volume of fuel in the tank, the injector pump isnt cooled enough, which is hard on it. This is particularily important if you live in a hot climate. Plain and simple, HEAT is the enemy of VP-44's.

Second: When was the last time you changed your fuel filter? There is lots of water and other crap in diesel fuel so it is entirely possible to get a bad load of fuel. Most people here run fuel additive because it reduces the effects of foreigh material in the fuel. Changing your fuel filter might not be a bad idea.

Third: Its ESSENTAIL that you get a fuel pressure guage on this truck and it neds to be mounted in the cab because in most cases you really need to see what the pressure is at Wide Open Throttle. Yes, the swanky electrcial gauges are expensive but you can install a relaible mechanical guage for much less that $40.

All you need is a pressure guage (which doesnt necessarily have to be lighted, a tapped banjo bolt or special hose (depends on where you want to sample the fuel pressure), some 1/8" air brake tubing, a short piece of 1/4" tubing, a needle valve, and a few fittings.

The install on an 01 should look something like this:







The hose goes to the pressure guage in the cab. Obviously, the hose in the pic isnt air brake tubing but you get the idea.

That being said - it sounds like you either have air in the lines or a dead lift pump/injector pump. When you bump the starter (dont start it) you should hear the lift pump run for 20 seconds or so. Does it do that?

Which injector lines did you crack? (be very careful when doing this and never stick youre fingers anywhere near the cracked fitting - alsways use some cardboard). Usually #1 and #3 are enough to get it going.

I hate to say it, but it sounds like your injector and lift pumps are dead - checking fuel pressure and scanning the truck with a scanner will verify or deny that guess. Lets hope that is not the case.

** As already mentioned, unless you unhook the grid heaters, dont use the starting fluid. **
Dr.Evil

I dont mind spending as much as $100 for something that I can use to monitor my pressure.
The pictures you showed here....Where did you get the parts? I have Auto Zone, Checkers, and a Dodge dealer here in Bullhead City, Arizona. Might be more, I just need to check qwestdex.com for listings.

Standing in front of the engine looking at the windshield, I cracked the 1st and 3rd injector and tried starting it. I replaced the air filter yesterday again, and before that... Maybe 3 months back.
I try and keep up on oil, filters, bla bla bla on time.

I have plenty of wrenches, tools and ect and dont mind getting dirty.
I just replaced the transfer case myself (the chain blew threw the side), installed 4 new shocks, replaced the starter and had my tie rod end fall off the drivers side going downt the road. (That really makes me mad to think Dodge uses a bolt upside down and nothing to keep the nut from EVER falling off). So, I do okay replacing things on my own I guess is my point.

Now today, I did go out and the truck started right up...But I just keep sweating thinking....When is it gonna happen again..
I still have 3/4 tank of fuel and I cant wait for it to be gone (Imagine anyone saying that!) ....Maybe a new "FRESH" tank is in proper order.

Thanks,,,,,

-Trace
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Old Nov 3, 2007 | 12:45 PM
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ok...I didnt realize the truck was running now.

Swing by Autozone and ask them to scan it for you.

As for the fittings, those arent my pics, mine is a bit different - I use Swagelok fittings but I never bothered taking pics. www.swagelok.com But you should be able to easily source fititngs from Napa, your local spped/racing shop or an industrial supplier.

I dont think the fuel is the issue here, but you could throw a tripple does of Power Service or Howes Lubricator in the tank and top up with fresh fuel from another station.

Good Luck. Theres months with of reading here on second gen fuel pressure issues.
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Old Nov 3, 2007 | 01:50 PM
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From: The Great White North
Just thought of something: You can find just about everything you will need for an install at Vulcan Poerformance.

Tapped Banjo bolt: http://www.vulcanperformance.com/ser...jo-Bolt/Detail

Needle Valve: http://www.vulcanperformance.com/ser...h-8-NPT/Detail

Pressure snubber: http://www.vulcanperformance.com/ser...Snubber/Detail

Tee: http://www.vulcanperformance.com/ser...-fdsh-4/Detail

The rest of the fittings you should be able to find locally.
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 05:25 PM
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Truck looses pressure when I give it fuel..Normal?

I just went to Dodge and the mechanic come outside and read the codes. None listed. After telling him my problems he figured out the lift pump. (Behind the fuel filter)
Went to Checkers and purchased a new one $180.00 and after getting it in, and starting the truck, it seemed not to work. I cracked the 1 and 3 injectors and got it running. Bled the air and let the truck run for 45min to charge the batteries.
I purchased a fuel pressure test kit and placed it on the shrader valve on the injuction pump.

My Question: I shut off the truck and wait about 1 min. Bump the starter and listen to the pump run for 20 seconds. Then I turn the truck over and when it does decide to start the pressure guage take 10 second to start showing up. It going to 14lbs.
When I rev the engine, I watch it drop. Floored, it dropes almost to 0...Is that normal?
I called Dodge back and was told that maybe I needed to check for a return leak (Said something about a larger bolt next to the shrader bolt on the injection pump) for leaks.. I see no fuel, and Im lost as to what to try next.

Sometimes it starts flawless....Sometimes it just wont start again as soon as I shut off the engine.. Its a hit and miss here and Im just plain frustrated!

Any help....Thanks
Trace
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 05:46 PM
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From: The Great White North
Well, that pretty much normal for the junk Dodge sells...hate to tell you this but you pobably wasted $180

You should have been looking at an upgrade.

I would look for possible leaks in the fuel system and also it might be worth closely inspecting all rubber hoses carrying fuel.....I a lot of times the fuel hose developes very small holes that let air into the fuel system. This causes hard starts. U might want to look at changing those line out,

Better yet,

Go to www.vulcanperformance.com, order this:

http://www.vulcanperformance.com/ser...er-Pump/Detail

This kit will convert your truck to bigger fuel line, eliminate the banjo bolt restrictions, and put the new pump on the frame rail where it should have been originally.
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Old Nov 12, 2007 | 03:00 PM
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I Think I Found It!!

I started to notice fuel dripping from the front of my gas tank. I removed the tank and found the bottom (larger) fuel line hose has a hole in it.

Could this cause my problem?
I called the dealer and they dont stock them here and there 2 days out.
Can this steel line be welded? If so, there is a industrial welding shop just right up the street that takes walk ins.



Thanks!

Oh...... I have heard mention of a different type of fuel and return lines that can be converted...Should I maybe get this fixed or repaired and install something different? Dropping the tank was a breeze, so it wont be a problem~
Attached Thumbnails Truck wont start this AM -- Just happened-dsc00591.jpg   Truck wont start this AM -- Just happened-dsc00592.jpg  
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Old Nov 12, 2007 | 03:48 PM
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From: Dufur Or
That would defiantly cause hard starts allot of air in the system so it cant keep its prime. For the little amount of line you need you might be able to pick up new fuel lines from napa.
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Old Nov 12, 2007 | 09:17 PM
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From: The Great White North
Yup....no doubt that is a big part of the problem and its not repairable. Follow the link below and get the big line kit from Vulcan Performance, mount your lift pump on the frame and life will be good again.

http://www.vulcanperformance.com/ser...er-Pump/Detail
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