I got the exact same problem with my 97 5.9 gas.

 

I went to go get a burger for lunch and got to talking trucks with another patron who drove up in a Dodge Ram. He mentioned he had encountered the same issue years back in a 2nd gen Ram and he said he replaced the Fuel Pressure Regulator...problem solved.

Thoughts??

 

Entirely possible. I would still check fuel pressure, and see what you are getting. (or not, as the case may be. )

 

ok here we go...i was finally able to get out into the garage and check the fuel pressure.

Here is what I found:
I connected the gauge with the ignition off 0 psi

I relieved the pressure and got a bunch or air bubbles out then turned the key to power on and heard the fuel pump kick in -- 30 psi then the pressure starts to go back down.

Started the engine and the needle bounced between 40 and 45 psi.

I turned off the engine and relieved the pressure again -- saw a bunch of bubbles once again. The truck turned on a little quicker after this and the psi was still between 40-45 psi.

I followed the same steps once again but this time no bubbles when I relieved the pressure. The psi still goes up to 30 then begins to drop when I turn the power on. The truck started right up after that and needle dances between 40 and 45 psi.

I waited a few hours then went back outside and see if it there was any change and she started right up....woo-hoo!

I'm still kind of skeptical. I guess the real test will be tomorrow when I have left it sitting for a bit longer.

Would air bubbles in the line cause this slow start issue?...and how would the bubbles get in the fuel tank/lines?

 

Woo Hoo!!!

I went out after the truck had been off for about 11 hours and it started right up.

I guess the air bubbles were the culprit and purging the system fixed it.

thanks again for the advice.

 

I am curious how the air got in there to begin with. Did you run the tank excessively low at some point? Or, maybe this is just one of those things that "happens"...... See what happens over time, and see if it stays "fixed".

Enjoy.

 

i was wondering the same thing. I have only owned the truck for about a month now and have been discovering little things here and there and I drive it around.

we'll see if it stays fixed...i'll post my findings as i go along.