I have a 1997 dodge 250 4x4 5.9 Cummings diesel.
was hard to start, now wont! how can I find out the problem, hearer grid?, fuel pump? it all started a few days ago. started then shut off, then would not restart. the next day she started, run for about 5 minutes and then I turned it off. it would not restart!
any thoughts on this?

 

Start by checking the fuel shutdown solenoid, see this pic; http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Fac...ocations-l.gif
When you try to start it, the rod going down should pull up and stay up with the key on.
If it doesn't, leave the key on and see if you can pull it up manually. If you can and it stays up, will it then start? If it does, check the (blue?) wire from the battery, and next the relay on the firewall, next to the brake booster. The solenoid itself rarely fails, but does sometimes stick from being dirty. It can be removed, disassembled, cleaned and reassembled very easily. It's just a plunger and spring inside.
You could also have a fuel problem. Is the fuel filter fresh? How are the fuel lines? They get old and deteriorate allowing air into the system, which causes some problems.
Let us know.

 

Welcome to the site frank , Racer9 gave you some good info right there

 

Theres also the possibility that you are letting air somewhere into your fuel system. Common places for air to enter is the rubber fuel hoses (2 at the front of the trucka nd two at the tank. As well, air can get into the filter housing where the fuel heater is.

 

Think you DR.Evil
its okay, you don't know me as yet!
backboard

 

Any updates??

 

Racer9
I did as you suggested, with the key on pushed the pin up on the (fuel shutdown solenoid) ,and it stayed up, then it started.
The rubber boot is quite gummy on the bottom of the solenoid, the rest look good! anyway, IT STARTS!
Thank you!
Backboard

 

Good deal!!