i agree with the fuel pump or filter. to my knowledge we dont have a serviceable fuel filter, its part of the pump/ pickup assembly.

 

 

I had a similar problem on my 3.9L a couple weeks ago. I changed my battery terminals and now it starts right up. It had absolutely no power and I had to floor it to keep it running.

 

If the truck runs fine otherwise, I'd say this is the likely culprit.

Fuel pressure/injector problems wouldn't be intermittent like that. I would be hard to start, and then run poorly...

However, fuel pressure on a 4.7L is around 50PSI. Some flow a bit lower and work fine...

 

off the top of my head the fuel press should be around 30ish while runnin. it u cycle the key a couple of time befor you start it and it starts right up after you do this thats a good sign of fuel press leakin down and has to build back up befor it will run. that could be pump injecters or fuel press regulater. and like the other guy said you should be lookin for loose or bad grounds to. hope it works out for you man

 

Wow, thanks for the great response. I have it scheduled next monday to have the fuel pressure checked. I will check the grounds before that, I wouldnt be surprised to find a corroded one. Thansk for the help and I will repost when I try these things.
Thanks
Mark

 

Not to add more variables to the equation, but you might want to check/clean the MAF sensor. I've seen a Toyota pickup go through many garages because of "no power" with all kinds of remedies that didn't work. Cleaned the MAF sensor and it ran like new. Don't know if that would affect starting, but it is computer related so maybe.

 

Well, I just got the truck back today from getting the fuel pressure checked along with the bleed down. The running pressure was 47psi. Almost instantly after the truck was shut off, the pressure went to 27psi, and in less than 5 minutes it was at 0psi. The garage that did the test is confident that the fuel pump needs to be replaced. unfortunaty their price is $547 for the pump and $150 to put it in. I searched everywhere online and found the cheapest on for $252. Can I be confident that he pump needs to be replaced? or could it be something else? does anyone have any suggestions as to where might be a good place to look for a cheaper pump?
Thanks
Mark

 

Almost 700.00 to put in a fuel pump!!! Ill do it for 300 lol anyway check out rockauto.com. Find a pump you want and then check local autopart stores to see if they have the same brand if they do they will price match it. I got my pump for 136.00 from autozone they wanted 198.00 for it.

 

Very common problem, the fuel pump has the fuel pressure regulator built into it, the check valve wears and or sticks and does not work properly, allowing the system to bleed down over a short period of time, cycling the key a couple of times usually pressurizes the system, nevertheless it seems like your fuel pump is definately bad and you may have a secondary issue as well. I searched ebay quickly for a 2001 dakota fuel pump and found a couple NEW fuel pumps for under 200 bucks, name brand carter and airtex, these can be put in relatively easy with 2 people. Removing the bed is the easiest way and reduces the chance of ruining the tank straps that probably have a decent amount of rust on them. I believe there is even a youtube video on the install on a dakota. The only special tool you will need is a strap wrench and you can get one for about 20 bucks, it is 8 or 10 bolts for the bed and disconnecting the taillight wires and license plate light wires. I am sure we can all guide you through the removal of the bed, pulling the tank and doing the re-install on it, then its just reverse order and you are good to go.