I opened the draine valve, and only a little bit of gas came out, then closed the valve. several hours later i started it to test the new dimmer switch i put in, and after running for about five seconds it sputtered then shut down. Now it wont start. I have tried the "turn the key to start then let it sit on run for 20 seconds" several times, and now my batteries are starting to die. Its a 2000 with 175k on it. help.

 

Welcome. First off, fill in your signature about your truck so everyone can help you better in the future. Sounds like you got air in the lines and/or your lift pump is on the fritz. Try opening the valve again (you might need the assistance of another unless your fast) then bump the starter. The LP should run for about 10 seconds or so. Fuel should shoot out of the valve drain hose, so you might want to put a longer hose on the canister so not to create a mess. While its running start to close the valve and you will hear the LP start to work. Try this method a few times and then try to start it. Make sure the valve is closed before the LP shuts down or air might get back in. If your batteries weak you might want to give them a little charge if you have one. Draining an automotive battery out till its dead it the quikest way to ruin them.

 

thanks, I filled in signature, (didnt know what it was) I opened valve again, and there was a steady stream. I closed valve, bumped starter to let pump flow, then it still wont start. This was all at 10pm so ill charge batts today and try again.

 

Thanks Katoom, I tried for hours today, while I had it apart, i changed the fuel filter, then tried the fuel. You said the pump will run for about ten seconds. Should I be able to hear the pump, becouse I hear nothing with the key on the on position. I had a friend turn the key to make sure i didnt miss it, and there was not a noise from under the hood except a sound like ball bearings rolling around. So I guess after all this, I just need to know if I am supposed to be able to hear the pump. thanks.

 

If you dont hear the ligft pump run when the key is turned to the 'ON' position - it is most likely dead. As well, its a good idea when you change the fuel filter to fill the filter canister with fresh diesel before putting the cap on.

Good Luck.

 

By just turning on the key you should hear the LP run for a couple of seconds or so. This is normal. By bumping the starter (turning the key to the start position just long enough to hear the starter engage) the LP should run for a longer period. Yes you should clearly hear the LP and you should get quite a bit of fuel out of the drain valve. You know where the LP is and if you cant hear it then I would say its bad. Dont buy one from Dodge either. Find a Cummins store. Here are some PART NUMBERS.

 

I hope that truley wasn't gas.

Sounds like your lift pump is dead and you broke the vacuum seal when you opened the valve. Bad part is, the Injection pump is probably next. Running low or no fuel pressure is death to the injection pump. Next investment should be a fuel pressure gauge.

Tim

 

well arent you the bearer of good news. I bought the lift pump today from cummins for $155 (thanks again Katoom) dodge wanted 360. Im going to have a mechanic friend put it on tomorrow. I think I caused enough damage. I will find out in the next week or two if I will still need this truck, if so i will install a fuel pressure gauge.

 

I got the truck today, and it runs just like it did before i drained the filter, but it RUNS. The lesson learned, dont drain or change the fuel filter.

 

Well I hope that is good news. As for changing the filter, I know how you feel. Sometimes I just wished that I never touched it because "it was working fine before". But I guess I have to do these things if I plan on keeping it around for a while. Glad to hear you at least got the cheaper one.