I have a dodge 1998 diesel which has been giving me trouble as of late.

So, first of all, I have been running it on 100% biodiesel... which I imagine could be contributing.

Here is the deal.

About 3 weeks ago I had a new feul filter put in.

Last week I tried to start the truck but it would not turn over (dead battery)... so I replaced both batteries.

Now it turns over really strong, but I am getting a strange starting problem. When it is cold, I have to crank if for maybe 5 seconds before it will turn over... once it is running, it seems to be strong as usual -- and once it is warm, I can stop and start is as usual. It also seems to be effected if I park on a hill (not 100% sure on this)... it seems that a hill will make it hard to start even if it is warm.

Also, when I first turn it over, it will catch for 1 sec, then die again. Then I have to crank it to get it to run.

Any ideas?

I am at a loss... and I dont have a good deisel mechanic. argh.

(If anyone knows someplace in the San Francisco bay area, please let me know)

THANKS!

Matt Golden

1998 Dodge Ram Cummings Diesel
Biodiesel

 

It sounds like a 12v.

I'd say its probably an overflow valve problem.

The spring is probably weak. A quick search here on DTR will help immensly.

Search for "overflow" or "overflow valve"

Merrick

 

sorry I did not mention this important fact in the first message... it is a 24 valve... wish it was a 12 -- that would make life a lot simpler!

 

What kind of fuel pressure do you have? The BD should not cause any problems. I have no problem running it in my 99.

Chris

 

Have you checked the lines and filter for leaks? I'm thinking ,maybe something is leaking and causing the lines to loose prime. Does your fuel filter stay full of fuel when the engine is not running?

 

Goldenmatt:
I had a 24v. When running B100 it will clean your entire fuel system and can plug the filter. Better check it and the prefilter, I think you have one, dont remember.