2002 Dodge Ram quad Cab, 5.9L having problems starting?

Question

My truck started having problems starting about a month ago after sitting for more than 24 hours. The starter would crank but there wouldn't be any combustion, then it would begin to light off but die, then finally start up after 10 minutes of trying. I took it too the mechanic, he said the fuel pressure was getting low over night and replaced the fuel pump, he also said I had a bad water pump (replaced it) and said the clutch fan wasn't working so fixed that. Now not only does the truck still have trouble starting, it also reacts much differently, losing alot of power, like when I put it in gear I have to rev it up to almost 1800 RPM to get it to move. I took it back, but he says he can't figure out whats wrong because my computer won't communicate with his scanner. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

5.9L tells me you dealing with a Cummins diesel.Hard starting is a fuel delivery issue but not always a bad fuel pump.Sounds like the system is sucking air into the fuel system somewhere. Find out if the fuel filters have been replaced. 5.9L's are touchy about dirty filters.And air filters too. You should find you another shop and have them test the fuel pressure and tell them you might suspect the system is getting air in the fuel.Is it cold where you live? If it is,have you added a fuel treatment to prevent gelling? You might also have a bad pressure valve on the injection pump.This valve maintains 18lbs of fuel pressure in the inj pump and if it gets stuck open it bleeds the fuel back into the tank.Another thing you might want to have them check is the injection pump timing and maybe even have the injectors removed and pop tested. And while they have the injectors out have them do a cylinder compression test. As far as the first mechanic,I think you've been had. The water pump is under the timing cover and no mechanic in his right mind would just volunteer to replace it because you practically have to strip the whole front of the truck to get to it.And the whole scanner story was nothing but an excuse because he was done ripping you off. I bet if you went back and asked him to see the old parts that he won't be able to produce them. Hope this helps,it's just hard to diagnose a problem if you don't have the truck in front of you.Good Luck

Answer 2

An injector leaking off over night will cause it not to start untill you grind on the starter. If you have low fuel pressure after leaving it over night, I would pull the fuel rail with injectors still attatched and use the scan tool to activate the injectors to see if any leaks are happening. You will probably have to take to a dodge or chrysler dealer to have this done

Answer 3

New fuel pumps from autozone etc are very cheaply made could be you still have low fuel pressure. Also the cataletic converter could possibly be plugged? This will cause starting and running issues. Loosen the exaust pipes enough to allow air to escape at manifolds and see if it starts better.

Answer 4

Sounds like there is a air-leaks in your fuel-injection system. This huge engine with this magnitude produced high amount of heat that could cracked the vacuum lines to the engine but not fully applied yet. Inspect the entire system vacuum lines and pay most of your attention to the fuel lines, do you smell any gasoline fumes? and from engine? Good luck!

Answer 5

"New" parts are usually of quite poor quality regardless of where you get them from. Overnight gas leak could be from one of the injectors as well as from the pump. It can also be a ECU problem but before replacing it, I would try a couple of different scanners because some may not communicate while others - will.

Answer 6

when the guy replaced the fuel pump did he replace the preshure regelator on the fuel rail? the trouble you are discribing sounds like the regelator instead of the pump, or the fuel filter on the frame I think i would try the filter first then go to the regelator if it dosent help . let me know if i can be of any more help. ive been at this work for about 30 years. Stan Stone [e-mail] thank you.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

First of all it" sounds like" he was working you! Second check your transmission fluid and make sure it is full that could be your problem taking off!And as far as starting it "Might be" the fuel pump relay! And last he should have told you before ever working on it that he cant scan it !So 3 words for you....SMALL CLAIMS COURT! Good Luck

Answer 9

sounds like a fuel pressure problem for sure,...a bad fuel pump again most likely, change the fuel filter too...the pressure check valve for the lines to prevent leak down is part of the pump

Check the tranny for the moving problem...fluid, or it is in "limp In" which is a second gear only crutch to get you to a shop.

Answer 10

fuel pressure leaking back when engine is shut down, it sounds more like your electric choke isn't functioning right. that is why you re losing power and hard to start the choke is shut of dumping way to much fuel. try not giving it any gas when you start it in the mornings. your mechanic is using process of elimination and it will get really expensive if you do not get rid of him and get you a mechanic that knows what he is doing. just like me went to the doctor complaining about the inside of my mouth hurting. what does the Dr do? sticks his finger up my ass checking my hemorrhoids or prostate. nothing to do with why i went to see him. that is what your mechanic is doing to you.