Got a 96 Ram 2500 5.9l gasser.

I dont use the truck but maybe twice a week. When it sits for a couple days it's hard to start. When I turn the key on I can here the fuel pump come on for less than a second to pressurize the fuel system, but I have to keep repeating the process of key on, crank till she fires a little and dies and so on. It just keeps getting closer to staying running every cycle.
At first I thought it was a dirty fuel filter. After not finding one I talked to a dealer, he said its a centrifugal unit in the tank and attached to the pump...........great, just what I want to deal with.
It just seems to me like the fuel rail has an air leak or something, but I never did smell raw fuel.
He did say that the tank would have to be real dirty to cause a problem. I dont think it is, but dont know for sure.

Any ideas guys.

Thanks in advance

Oz

 

Have them check the PSI on the fuel system.

 

No dealer in my town. I'm on an island. You know what psi were looking for?

 

just my brain working, if it was the fuel. what changes everytime you turn the key to make it run better each time... and if it had a bad screen or low pressure. it would be sluggish when romped on, wouldnt it?

 

Well it seems like it doesn't quite have the power it used to, but not too dramatic.

 

Sounds like the fuel pressure regulator. You should have around 49lbs when idling. Leave the gauge on and after you shut the motor off see what the pressure does. If it drops rapidly then the regulator is no good. Or you have leaky injectors.

 

Is the regulator in the tank with the pump?

 

It's on top of the pump outside the tank. You can pretty much get a replacement at the dealer only. Otherwise just drop the tank and replace the whole pump. But don't do it unless you have checked the pressure. No need to spend cash when not needed.

 

Of course it is. Why put it in accessible place like right on the fuel rail like lots of other auto manufacturers do? :P

 

Who's dropped these tanks before? Are these a total P.I.T.A. ?

I found the pump Assy. online for $217. Not sure if it's the right one though. Ill try and find a part #.