Hard to start

[Stx123]

Hello,
I have a 1991 Dodge Cummins W-250. I owed the truck for years and sold it awhile back. I have just bought it back from the guy I sold it too (missed the old girl). The guy only put 600 mile on it but it has been sitting for about 1 year. The truck always ran great but now it is really hard to start. I got it home and ran most of the fuel out and added fuel additive that removes water. I put a new fuel filter on it. The fuel in the water light was coming on when cranking after excessive cranking on the starter it will fire. I believe I have the water out of the system. Once its running it runs like a top but every once in while when I rev it out it hesitates. Anybody have any ideas. I also notice that the fuel tank look to be wet with fuel ( I might have spilled when filling) but if I had a hole in a fuel line (or rusted line) the preasure from the fuel pump would make a big leak right?

[TWorline]

The lines may not show the evidence of a leak. The line from the lift pump to the tank is under a vacuum so to find a leak you will need to pressurize the tank. It definetly sounds like air entering the fuel system is what is giving you a problem. Your lift pump may also be the culprit, check it with a pressure gauge.

[BobS]

Any fuel residue on the side of the fuel filter? If so, then replace the fuel filter heater gasket.

[Stx123]

The fuel filter is tight and there is no residue on the filter. I think it is sucking air from some where. I dont know to much about the lift pump on these but I thought that the lift pump was for returning fuel. Is that correct? If I was getting to much fuel would that make it hard to start?

[TWorline]

The lift pump is to lift the fuel from your tank to your injection pump after it passes through your fuel filter. The only time you could have to much fuel is if it is on fire.

[Stx123]

I have found the problem. Thanks to your advice. I put the fuel tank under preassure and sure enough the line next to the tank on the frame rail is leaking. It must have been a small hole but now is alittle larger. Looks like I will be dropping th tank and replacing some line. I might do alittle more preventive maintenance well I am under there. Thanks for the help.

[oldestof11]

While the tank is down, redo all you rear brake lines. That tank is in the way.

[Ace]

Use this opportunity to replace the fuel supply with a larger 3/8" stainless line and never worry about it again.