I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500.
Last week the engine died on me for no apparent reason and it will no longer start.
I suspected that it was the fuel pump, but it seems to be working fine.
Anyone have any suggestions?

 

Why do you say its fine? Did you check the fuel pressure?

 

I wrote that "it seems to be fine". (meaning the electric fuel pump) because it pumps up to 10 psi when the key is on.
I am not sure how to go about checking the injector pump.

 

Check for codes in the ECM. You may have codes even if the CEL light is not on. If you do have codes, post them here so we can see what they are.

 

Do you spray ether? A buddy of mine had a diesel (granted it was a powerjoke) that did the same thing. Just up and died one day. When they dismantled the engine he found that the ether was adding so much additional pressure to the cylinder that it had shattered the compression rings on 3 of the pistons which in turn fouled up the cylinder walls pretty badly. I'll see if he still has pics of that. But that would be worse case I would think.

 

You don't want to ever use ether on a Cummins. [sm=signs006.gif] The Fords have glow plugs but Cummins does not. It has a pre-heater that will ignite the ether and cause an explosion before it gets to the engine.

 

I have never used ether, and have never had any problems with starting. It just suddenly died on me while driving home.

I checked into retrieving the diagnostic codes and the book says that a code reader is required for 1998 trucks. Any suggestions on which type to get?

I had an "Auto-x-ray" code reader for my last truck, its memory became corrupt for no apparent reason. They would not replace it, I will not buy anything of theirs again.

 

I got an Actron scanner. I don't know if it's this particular model, but it works pretty good.

 

I looked at a few Actron scanners earlier today. The store I was at had three models ($109, $147, $299) but it was not clear what the difference was.

Many scanners seem to state that they are OBD II compliant. Some state that they are compatable with Ford, GM, etc. (none so far have said Dodge) Allof themsay they can not be returned

 

to access your codes, just cycle your ignition switch 3 times from off to on (not start). on the 3rd time leave it in the on position. I believe your truck has a digital odometer, the P-code will show there.(ie P 340). After all the codes are displayed, or, if there are none, it will say "done". Hope this helps. Don't spend your money on a code reader you don't need, save it for mods