96 Ram 5.9L Gas. I've had this truck for 10 years and it has had this same quirk from the time I got it. It hardly ever will start on the first crank, maybe one out of 20 times. It will start right up on the second crank every time! Key on for a few seconds and then crank does no good, must turn over before it will crank on the second try. I've just lived with it since it is so reliable but I'm getting tired of the looks from those nearby wondering if my truck is going to crank Could this be a fuel pressure leak down problem or what?

 

Fuel pressure leak-down was the first thought that popped into my mind before you suggested it, so maybe it's worth hanging a gauge on the fuel rail to find out. Can't hurt/might help.

 

Read through this thread. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-starting.html

 

On a cold start, hook a fuel pressure gauge to the test port. It should read 0 psi. Then turn the key to full on but DON'T crank it over. Listen for electric fuel pump whine. Note pressure and double check for a leak at the test port. Should read 49psi +/- 5. Then crank engine over and note pressure. Then turn engine off if it fires. Watch the pressure for the next 5 minutes and see how much it drops.

I like to wedge the tester under the drivers side windshield wiper so I cam view it while in the cab working the key. Harbor freight has a cheap tester that has worked well for me, but get the one that can test above 60 psi. Report back what you discover.

 

Is the test port a schrader valve on the fuel rail like on Jeeps? All I have going to the rails appears to be the supply line. I got a fuel pressure gauge today but I couldn't see where to hook it up

 

If you have the plastic fuel rails, I don't think those had the valve. You will have to get some assorted parts, and make yourself a short line with the correct ends on it to go between the fuel line, and the rail...... with a valve somewhere in the middle.

 

Well, that explains that Why would they not put a test port? Beyond me. So, I guess I will try to rig something tomorrow. I'm trying to get an aftermarket bumper installed before the weekend so I can get my winch on so it may be a day or two. BTW, thanks for the tip on the no test port!

 

Mine (also a 96 5.9) has done the same thing for 10 years or more. A friend that worked for Dodge at the time told me it was a quirk with the fuel pump that basically resulted from poor engineering. He said I could replace the pump, but they'd already seen the problem return within a year. I've learned to live with it.

 

Yeah, kinda where I am on the issue. I've had the truck for a LONG time and it's never failed to start, just never starts on the first try. I'm in the process of turning it into my trail rig instead of a tow rig and may mess with it some when I get a chance. I'd still like to get a fuel pressure reading, just haven't had time to figure out how yet.

 

same with me. With the MSD hooked up, it takes 3 cranks. Without it. One or two.