Will not start

Tiny
GOODFELLOW
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180 MILES
Replace coil, pickup coil, rotor, cap and gas is okay.
Sunday, May 13th, 2018 AT 8:44 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,418 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. If the engine fails to start, you either have timing issue, no or little fuel pressure, or there is no spark. You mentioned that the gas is okay, but I am not sure exactly what is meant by that. So, I will provide directions for checking for spark and fuel to the engine.

Here are directions specific to your vehicle for fuel pressure testing:

Fuel pressure test.
Warning: the fuel system is under constant fuel pressure even with the engine off. Before disconnecting fuel line at fuel rail, this pressure must be released. Refer to the fuel system pressure release procedure.

Note: Use this test in conjunction with the Fuel Pump Capacity Test and Fuel Pressure Leak Down Test found elsewhere.

Check Valve Operation: The electric fuel pump outlet contains a one-way check valve to prevent fuel flow back into the tank and to maintain fuel supply line pressure (engine warm) when pump is not operational.
It is also used to keep the fuel supply line full of gasoline when pump is not operational.
After the vehicle has cooled down, fuel pressure may drop to 0 psi (cold fluid contracts), but liquid gasoline will remain in fuel supply line between the check valve and fuel injectors.

Fuel pressure that has dropped to 0 psi on a cooled down vehicle (engine off) is a normal condition. When the electric fuel pump is activated, fuel pressure should immediately rise to specification.

Note: The fuel pressure test port is used on certain engines only. The test port is located on the fuel rail near the throttle position sensor (Fig. 8). A sealing cap is screwed onto the test port.

All fuel systems are equipped with a fuel tank module mounted, combination fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator.
The fuel pressure regulator is not controlled by engine vacuum.
Procedure
Remove protective cap at fuel rail test port. Connect the 0-414 kPa (0-60 psi) fuel pressure gauge (from gauge set 5069) to test port pressure fitting on fuel rail.
Start and warm engine and note pressure gauge reading. Fuel pressure should be 339 kPa +/- 34 kPa (49.2 psi +/- 5 psi) at idle.
If engine runs but pressure is below 44.2 psi , check for a kinked fuel supply line somewhere between fuel rail and fuel pump module. If line is not kinked, replace fuel pump module assembly. Refer to Fuel Pump Module Removal/Installation.
If operating pressure is above 54.2 psi , electric fuel pump is OK, but fuel pressure regulator is defective.

Here are directions specific to your vehicle for a fuel system Leak down:
FUEL PRESSURE LEAK DOWN TEST
Fig 11 Connecting Adapter Tool - Typical
Fig 12 Connecting Adapter Tool - Typical

NOTE: Use this test in conjunction with the Fuel Pump Pressure Test and Fuel Pump Capacity Test.
Check Valve Operation: The electric fuel pump outlet contains a one-way check valve to prevent fuel flow back into the tank and to maintain fuel supply line pressure (engine warm) when pump is not operational. It is also used to keep the fuel supply line full of gasoline when pump is not operational. After the vehicle has cooled down, fuel pressure may drop to 0 psi (cold fluid contracts), but liquid gasoline will remain in fuel supply line between the check valve and fuel injectors. Fuel pressure that has dropped to 0 psi on a cooled down vehicle (engine off) is a normal condition. when the electric fuel pump is activated, fuel pressure should immediately rise to specification.

Abnormally long periods of cranking to restart a hot engine that has been shut down for a short period of time may be caused by:
Fuel pressure bleeding past a fuel injector(s).
Fuel pressure bleeding past the check valve in the fuel pump module.
Procedure
Disconnect the fuel inlet line at fuel rail.
On some engines, air cleaner housing removal may be necessary before fuel line disconnection.
Connect the appropriate Fuel Line Pressure Test Adapter Tool (number 6539, 6631, 6541 or 6923) between the disconnected fuel line and fuel rail (Fig. 11) or (Fig. 12).
Connect the 0-414 kPa (0-60 psi) fuel pressure test gauge (from Gauge Set 5069) to the test port on the appropriate Adaptor Tool.
The fittings on both tools must be in good condition and free from any small leaks before performing the proceeding test.
Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature.
Observe test gauge. Normal operating pressure should be 339 kPa +/- 34 kPa (49.2 psi +/- 5 psi) .
Shut engine off.
Pressure should not fall below 30 psi for five minutes.
If pressure falls below 30 psi , it must be determined if a fuel injector, the check valve within the fuel pump module, or a fuel tube/line is leaking.
Again, start engine and bring to normal operating temperature.
Shut engine off.
Testing for fuel injector or fuel rail leakage:
Clamp off the rubber hose portion of Adaptor Tool between the fuel rail and the test port "T" on Adapter Tool.
If pressure now holds at or above 30 psi , a fuel injector or the fuel rail is leaking.
Testing for fuel pump check valve, filter/ regulator check valve or fuel tube/line leakage:
Clamp off the rubber hose portion of Adaptor Tool between the vehicle fuel line and test port "T" on Adapter Tool.
If pressure now holds at or above 30 psi , a leak may be found at a fuel tube/line.
If no leaks are found at fuel tubes or lines, one of the check valves in either the electric fuel pump or filter/ regulator may be leaking.

I have attached pictures that relate to the above directions.

Here are general directions for checking for spark:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Once you determine which system has failed, then it will be easier to narrow down where the problem is coming from.

Let me know if this helps and if you have additional questions.

Take care,
Joe

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, May 14th, 2018 AT 7:07 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links