I have a 97 Dakota 5.2 and recently put alot of time into this truck but an having one problem with starting if anyone can help that would be great ... When I go to start the truck for first time I have to turn key to turn fuel pump on rotate key back and turn key to on position again and she will fire up quicker than just turning the key one time any suggestions? I have replaced alot of parts and don't know what this problem could be ?

 

I will move this to the 2nd generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

Sorry I didn't realize I posted in the wrong forum Im new at this , thanks

 

Probably the fuel pressure regulator is going bad. There is a check valve in the regulator that keeps the fuel line pressurized when the truck is not running. When the check valve goes bad it allows the fuel in the line to bleed back into the gas tank. That is why it takes longer to start the truck after it sits for any length of time, whether an hour or overnight.

When you turn the key to start the truck the ignition first has to re-prime the fuel lines before any fuel reaches the fuel rail and injectors. That is why the engine starts faster if you turn the ignition on for a few seconds first without actually starting the engine. The problem will get progressively worse over time and sooner or later you will need a new fuel pump. The regulator is an internal part of the fuel pump assembly and the only way to fix the problem is to replace the fuel pump as a whole unit.

You can check the regulator for sure with a cheap fuel pressure test gauge from Harbor Freight or maybe a parts store. I use this one here for fuel pressure and vacuum testing, it works fine:

http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-in...ter-92699.html

The Haynes Manual for your year of Dakota will have directions on how to manually relieve the pressure in your fuel system, it is pretty easy to do that. Then you can safely connect the test gauge to the test port on the fuel rail and follow the directions in the Haynes Book to test the fuel pressure and regulator too. I don't know about a 1997 5.2 but normal fuel pressure for my 01 3.9 is 47 to 52 psi in the fuel rail with the engine at a 700 RPM idle. To test the regulator, leave the gauge connected and turn off the truck. If the pressure falls below 30 psi in less than 5 minutes after you shut off the ignition, the fuel pressure regulator is definitely going bad.

Jimmy

 

Thanks for the advice , I will order and drop the tank ASAP I'm not going to bother with testing cause I had a feeling that was the problem but wanted to check with somebody who knew what they were talking about , I will post back once I get completed thanks again for your time

 

Jimmy ,
Thanks for the excellent advice ! I decided to take off the bed of my truck today after receiving my fuel pump because it just seemed easier and changedto the new one and works great starts up within 2 sec of cranking no matter how long it sits. Thanks again for your advice

 

Good, glad to know it is fixed now.

Jimmy