I don't know too much about these things yet, but i have a feeling that i'm going to get familiar with them. I have a 98 ram and up until last night it ran fine. Well maybe i shouldn't say that b/c it wouldn't idle when i would first start it. You would have to keep the throttle on for a little bit. OK well anyway until last night it ran. Now all it does is start and shut right off. I was going to try changing the fuel filter today, but i have a feeling that isn't the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I suspect you have two issues. The need to hold the throttle down when starting is usually because the timing has slipped a bit. The start and then immediate shut down is generally the relay or shutoff solenoid, or the starter contacts.

To check the latter, turn your key to the run position, then go out and reach in and lift the fuel shutoff solenoid up until it locks. If it does not lock in the on position, check your solenoid, the relay, and the starter contracts.

Most often it is the starter contacts, and the good ones are available from www.fostertruck.com for a lot less than from Dodge or Cummins.

You can also replace the solenoid with a choke cable and eliminate the electrical issues completely.

If the fuel solenoid locks in the up position when you lift it by hand, then pull your overflow valve on the inside of the injection pump, with the fuel return line attached, and check it for a broken spring. If that is the case, give the remaining chunk of spring a good stretch and it will get you by until you get a new overflow valve. Just be sure you do not get any dirt in the system while you are working on the fuel line, and you will have to prime the thing after it has been opened.