I bought a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel last weekend. It's my first diesel. I changed the fuel filter this weekend and I can't get the truck started. I filled the filter housing with clean fuel before putting the new filter in. I bumped the key to the start position many times. I think I can hear the lift pump making noises for about 20 seconds. I loosened the banjo bolt on the fuel injector pump that holds a fuel line that looks like it came from the fuel filter ( it also has a schrader valve on it) and no fuel comes out. I pushed the pin in on another schrader valve that's at the top-back of the fuel filter housing and no fuel comes out while the lift pump is making noises. Do you think the lift pump is bad ?

Thanks

 

Yes! Do yourself a favor get a FASS and fuel pressure gauge!!!!

 

i did the same thing the other day. got some good info from the guys on here. i broke loose injector lines 1 and 3 i believe, maybe #5, then bump the starter until fuel starts coming out, then tighten them back down. truck should start up. and might run rough for a little bit. i did the same thing, bumped the starter aprx 15-20diff times and it wouldnt start. i broke loose the injectors and she fired right up. itll be a little messy, but i didnt mind sitttin under the hood smellin some diesel.

 

If you don't have fuel coming out of either of those schrader valves, you won't get it to come out of an injector line.

Your lift pump is dead.

Yes, it's making noises, but it isn't pumping anything.
When you took the top of the fuel filter housing off you broke prime, and won't get it back with a broken lift pump.

Time for a new lift pump, or appropriate aftermarket replacement.


phox

 

Thats the exact same problem I had. I broke the prime and got it back once and it was hard though. I drove to a buddies shop to test the fuel pressure and could never get the prime back. The lift pump was shot.

 

Welcome to the DTR Turbomike!
Seems like the LP is bad, go to your local Cummins shop Monday and get a campaign pump. Should be less than $80. If not you can pickup a LP from NAPA or the like, just beware of junk pumps. Where you from? Fill in your sig in the useerCP and location. You might be right around the corner from me and i am always happy to help a fellow Cummins owner out.

 

Thanks for the replies. I bought one of the campaign pumps (4090046) at a local Cummins shop for $68.15. After I got it on I left the banjo bolt on the line from the filter to the Injector pump slightly loose. I bumped the starter and fuel dripped out of the connection. I couldn't get it to do that with the old pump. I took several bumps of the starter and some cranking to get it started, but it finally started. I was about to loosen one of the injector lines to bleed the Injector pump when it finally started. I bought an electric fuel pressure gauge at Diesel Performance Parts, I found out that they are only a few miles from my house here in Nashville, TN. I have the sensor connected but not the gauge yet. I plan on installing one of the FASS systems when time and money permit. Thanks for your replies and all the valuable information at this site.

 

I wonder if the electric gauges need to be dampened with a needle valve like the mechanical gauges?
Glad to see another member from Music City, let me know if you need any help.

 

Thanks Clunk. I got the electric fuel pressure gauge installed. It's bouncing between 12 and 14 psi at idle, maybe I need a needle valve.

 

I've got an electric sender on my FP guage. Autometer recommends a snubber and about 3' of hose to absorb the shock. Mine works fine that way.

 

I have a needle valve on mine to calm the pressure spikes.