first time post so i have no idea if this will get through :-)

my 1998 ram 3500 cummins 12v stopped running while at idle and will crank but not start. up to the moment it stopped running it was strong and reliable, 208,000 miles, has modified throttle plate set at about + 25%, 5-speed, great truck!.

i have owned the truck 8 months with no problems. don't know anything about ctd's so am looking for:

1) downloadable service manual that will cover this engine setup- i downloaded one from dealershoppe that has only the 24v :-(

and 2) any advice about what to do.

thanks in advance

 

check and see if the shut off selenoid is working. when u turn the key on it should raise up. if it dont, its bad. good luck with the search



o ya, welcome to db

 

I agree with the above. Make sure your fuel shutdown solenoid pulls up all the way when you turn the key on (just yank on it with your hand).

You can see it on this schematic:







after that, Id look at fuel pressure issues...inlcuding fuel lines, and over flow valve.

Sorry cant help you with a FREE downloadable manual. Ive been looking for one myself. But I cant tell you where you can buy one.

 

Check your lift pump Also check to see if you have a fuel line that has a ware hole that is sucking air. This has happen before==Good luck

 

your best bet is to get alldata on your truck...its not free, its like $25 for a year, but it will give you all the infor you will need

 

Thanks for all the great advice! Fuel shutoff solenoid is OK. Relays are OK. Fuse link is OK. Solenoid is pulling in and holding. Could not find any air or fuel leaks.

How do I determine if the problem is lift pump or injector pump? Is this something to try at home?

After removing and cleaning the solenoid and relays, I re-installed everything and cranked the engine. It started and ran for 15-20 second with no power then quit. Then I quit for the day.

 

how was the selenoid and relays? dirty and grungy, any diesel leaking into it? is there a chance the cleaning of the selenoid, gave enough moisture to complete the circuit, than it crapped out? depending on price, i might look into those selenoid and relays again...? just a thought

 

Thanks to all for the input. Problem was lift pump and we are now back in business! This will close this thread but I DON'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT GO AWAY???

 

Ill close it for you. Glad you got it fixed. A fuel pressure guage is a good idea.

I would suggest replacing the fuelo lines as well (2 at the tank and 2 at the front of the truck)