Hey fellas, I have a 2005 ram 5.7 hemi 1500. I've been knocking things off my to-do list in regards to my truck, before winter comes.
Recently it has become very hard to start my truck from cold(morning startup, after a 12 hr shift). It takes 3-4 seconds and during that it almost starts then almost dies. Occasionally I have to press the throttle a bit to get it to start, as if it were carbureted. I replaced the plugs roughly two months ago. Does anyone have any insight as to my issue?

 

Fuel pump issue?

 

Could be the fuel pump. Do you often "run it down to fumes"?

 

I considered it, but it's not showing any other signs of an issue besides on startup. And I usually don't get below 3/4 tank.

 

Sounds like the pump is bleeding down. Which is why it takes more cranking when it sits. It has to re-prime, then pump fuel to the rail. Most shops can do a fuel pump bleed down test.

 

Thank you sir, ill look into that

 

have you cleaned the throttle body lately?

 

Yes I have. A friend of mine and I tested the fuel pressure in the rail, and had close to none. So it's looking like the regulator (unfortunately its built into the pump. Thanks for the help guys.

 

So the problem appears to be the fuel pressure regulator. Napa does not sell just that, as it attached to the pump. The pump is running fine, and costs 500 of my hard earned dollars. The regulator that I found online is about 75. The all-knowing Chiltons book says that I can replace just the regulator. Is this true? Or am I going to need to replace the pump?