I have a 98 12 v and this morning hopped in it and fired right up. later in the day went to start it up and it would start for a few seconds then shut off. The only way that i can get it to finally fire up and stay running is if i keep the key on and give it some fuel. Changed the fuel filter already that didnt help any. Could I have a leak in my fuel lines? Any would would be great.

 

check your injectors you may have one thats leaking?

 

If it has high miles on it check the return line behind the pump. they are known for rusting out

 

i have checked the injectors for leaks and couldnt see that they were leaking anywhere. I looked at all the fuel lines that i could locate but i couldnt see any leaks there either. It has 178 thousand miles on the truck. could it be the solenoid or something as simple as cleaning or changing the air filter. Also the line comming from the tank is pulsing is this a problem or is this normal???

 

Keep the key on? Like in the start position? That would be fuel shutoff silonoid.

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Yeah i gotta keep the key in the on position and give it fuel. Is there anyway of checking if it has gone bad and is it hard to change out???

 

Yes, your fuel shutoff solenoid is probably weak. Info including repair/adjustment (but your problem is like the solenoid itself):

Diesel Hard Start Diagnosis

You can get a new one for reasonable here:

LarryB's Dodge starting problems solved here.

 

thats gotta be what it is when i lift it up to the open position on the fuel shutoff solenoid it fires up no problem.

 

Well then - thats the problem.

You may be able to just clean it up, and adjust it. If not, get a new one from the link I posted.

 

ok on the link that you posted on the measurement its not even close to the 2.64" should i just adjust it and go from there?

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also the rubber boot that covers the solenoid looks like it has rotted out could have that been the main cause to my problem?