Let me give some background... Truck is a 97 1500 2wd with a 360. The truck has been running fine until the other day. Truck will try to start but then quit after about a second or two. I have taken out the fuel pump and it is working. After re-assembling the tank it fired right up. Well today it has stopped again and did the same thing. The things that are common with both times is that it was raining and the truck had sat for a few hours. Once it is running it will not quit, but if you turn off the engine it may not start back.

Any help or input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jason

 

Sounds like the fuel pump is intermittently failing when energized. My wife's 2000 Durango 360 did the same thing when the in-tank pump failed completely - right in the middle of a busy intersection. It would try to start but just chug and cough for a couple of seconds, then die. Being under warranty, it went to the dealership on the hook where they found fuel pressure = 0 PSIG. A new pump and no problems since.

Rusty

 

Thanks Rusty. Is there a possibility of a faulty relay somewhere?

 

I don't have the schematics for a 1997 1500, but if the pump is energized through a relay, then that (or any other problem in the wiring harness) could certainly be a possibility. If you have access to the pump power wires back close to the pump, check supply voltage to the pump when it will start and compare that to when it won't start to see if a relay or wiring problem is present.

Rusty

 

Since you said a common denominator when this happens is rain, I would also take a look at your ignition system. Once it does start does it immediately run smooth, or does it miss a little for a while?
What is the condition of the spark plug wires?
Is the distributor cap dirty? Pull the cap off and check inside for a sooty deposit. Clean it well.
Is the top of the coil dirty?
In wet weather, at night, with a cold engine, start it up and take a look for any signs of spark jumping.

 

Good point about the rain - I missed that. Gotta work on my reading comprehension skills, I suppose.

Rusty

 

It will run for a second or two then cut off and won't start back. When you disconnect the fuel line there is no fuel coming out. But you go back later and it might start. When it runs it runs and when it acts up it won't??

 

When last was the fuel filter changed? I would install a new fuel filter and try again. This is part of the process of elimination, but is a cheap and easy one.
When it does run pull a plug wire, hold it about a 1/4' from from some metalic part of the engine and let us know if the spark is long, fat and blue or something else like short and yellow. Just for fun you can also hold the end of the plug wire with your fingers and have someone crank the engine.
When you do find the problem let us know so that we can all learn.

 

The fuel filter in that truck is in-tank, connected to the pickup. My fuel pump went out, and had to get it replaced, and the hard starts stopped immediately.