1998 Dodge Ram 1500 360 4x4

Up until Monday morning, no issues at all with starting or idling.

However, turned the key Monday morning and it just cranked and cranked. No odd noises, cranking speed was normal...it just never caught and fired up.

I tried again, and it cranked for 10 seconds at least before it finally, reluctantly, caught, and fired up. After that, it ran perfectly. No stumbling or idles issues at all. I drove to where I was going and shut it off.

When I turned the key to leave, again, it just cranked for at least 10 seconds before finally catching and firing up. Once again, it ran perfectly and idled perfectly until I got back home.

The next day, same thing. On any start, it cranks for no less than 5 seconds, and usually 10 - 15 seconds before catching and firing up. I'm worried it's headed for a no start scenario and I need to know where to start looking.

Neutral safety switch?
Coil?
TPS or IAC?

I'm hoping someone has had this exact same symptom and can start me off in the right area so I don't start buying and replacing things that aren't the issue.

Thanks.

 

I'd be verifying fuel pressure as well.

 

The engine cranks, so, that leaves out neutral safety switch.

Need to find out what is missing when it won't start. Checking fuel pressure with a gauge is a very good place to start.

 

My truck does the same thing. Whenever it sits for awhile and try to start it up it takes about 5 seconds, it turns over fine but won't fire up right away. I bought the truck like that 4 months ago and still haven't fixed it, its one of those things I need to get to. I'll probably get to it eventually because everyone looks at you in the parking lot while it just keeps turning. I'm sure its the fuel pressure like others have said like a fuel pump or a pressure regulator.

 

Cool. I'll start with fuel pressure and report back. Anyone know off the top of their head what the ideal pressure is supposed to be?

 

Around 50psi +/- one or so.