I have a 1998 Dodge Ram Van 5.9L with 198,000 miles, the van ran good until one damp night while driving home it had stalled at a light, I restarted it and drove about a half mile when it cut out altogether (as if it was out of gas)and had to be towed home. At first I thought I was out of gas, (I was close to but above the red line, not the first time) so I had AAA bring 5gals but still no good, I later added a couple bottles of dry gas thinking maybe water in the tank and still no good. I can turn the key on and hear the fuel pump and it will start and take the gas but after a few minutes, it will cut out and not restart for a while. I feel it’s something in the fuel system not working right. I don’t think it’s the coil (had that problem with other cars) I don’t have the money to just change parts if its not the right one. I have no check engine light on, ( it works just no code) Can you help?

 

It sounds like a bad fuel pump. When the tank is less than 1/2 full, there is no fuel around the pump to help keep it cool. As a result, the pump overheats and stops working. You would need to connect a fuel pressure gauge and see what your fuel pressure is during the no start times to know for sure.

 

Thanks,I check the fuelpressure up by the carb. only 12 psi. book says 44-54 psi. I'm not sure, does the Fuel Regulator (w/fuel filter in it)come with the fuel pump? some photos look like it might be on top of the pump. I only want to drop the tank once. Thanks again

 

The pump, filter, fuel level sender, and regulator are all one unit.

 

If the van is a conversion type, maybe this TSB is the problem. Just a thought here ... [:-]

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2000/08-24-00.htm

 

Thanks for the update, It is a van conversion and the TSB will be investigated before I repleace the fuel pump.
Does anyone have a way to get the nuts off the fuel tank straps? the studs are too long for my Deep well sockets.

 

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...2174_200012174