I just recently bought another Dakota (makes #3 I've owned). My first was a 87 std cab with V-6, second 91 X-cab with V-8 and this one is a 96 X-cab V-8, all 4x4.

I realize this is a different generation dakota forum but the pump I was told was used in 96/97 so the pump is both generations.

My question is when I park the truck for almost any time period I have to wait for the pump to get fuel back to the injectors as it appears to drop the fuel. I have tried to allow the key to be turned forward to begin pumping prior to turning the starter but that doesn't seem to pump it. So I need to crank on the starter for a while until there is fuel to start the truck. I am afraid this will burn out the starter and/or the pump.

I have had a pressure check done and the pump is pushing alot of pressure. I can't recall but think they said normal is 30-40 psi and I am at 90. This may be indicating a blockage somewhere or maybe a vacuum lock. My thoughts are possibly vacuum lock and when parked releases it and thus I have to wait for the pump to get past the lock? Another thought is the "check valve" for lack of a better word is not closing which allows the fuel to flow back. This would be in the tank along with my fuel filter.

Is this a common problem? What is the solution? If it is replacing the pump does anyone know anything about where to get a reasonably priced one? I found one for $300+ and that is the cheaper one. These are Mopar so are there any downfalls to aftermarket? The thing I am thinking of is different pressure or pressurized systems which can mess up fuel economy (worse than normal) or cause other issues.

The pump so you all know is part # 4897437AA and I have been told Mopar has changed this possibly to AC4897437.

Thanks
Clint

 

I'm a little over my head on this one, but with 90 psi, don't you have a bad pressure regulator?

I don't think fuel injected engines have much trouble with vapor lock. Vapor lock can be caused by boiling fuel and once you place fuel under a little pressure (via the injector pump) its boiling point is much higher. Plus, your fuel pressure regulator allows fuel to recirculate to the tank allowing a quick bleeding of any fuel vapor from the fuel rail

Perhaps the hard start is from fuel leaking past the injectors under this high pressure and flooding your engine.

 

I think it may be a regulator as you are not the first to say that. At the time I never thought of that. I am planning on running some fuel additive to try to clean up the gunk hoping it will loosen the valve. Another forum said it helped him so I will try it for a couple bucks versus the whole assembly.