Ram 2500 water in fuel?

[kenmac]

I don't trust dealerships (at least in my area) That's the reason I make my own repairs. If there is a repair I don't want to make.I would take my vehicle to an independent shop..You have the option to take it to a different (independent) mechainc/shop and get a second opinion.I suppose you could have traces of moisture in the samples that I can't see with my old eyes.

 

[tommu56]

2006 CTD mega cab 2500 here

I tried to reply and the site blacked out

Run a couple of tanks of power service 911 through the system with some good fuel from a truck stop that turns it over fast.

Then go to the regular power service and run a couple more tanks of the truck stop fuel through.


Then think about the "sealership" offer to fix it and go to a good independent shop if you still have problems and have them look at it.

tom

 

[sd455dan]

Well, that shows what I know! Here's a shot of the bottom of the vial. This is a small sample of maybe a cup that I pulled from the fuel filter.

Hi Joshua - i have an 03 3500 with the HO Cummins it has about 104000 and has had the batteries replaced. It spins over as fast, maybe faster than most of my gas engined cars,
If I wait for the heater grid light to go out , and crank it cold- the Cummins always starts, and continues to run after less than 6 seconds of cranking.
These common rails, inject diesel at somewhere north of 20,000 pounds per square inch, -the fuel is so finely atomized, that it makes it hard for these diesels not to start!! assuming good compression and cranking speed and a working lift pump with a clean filter
I would clean the battery connections ( and make sure you clean the small grounds to the sheet metal) . The idea of charging up the batteries and then jumping your truck with another vehicle with a heavy duty charging system is a good one -I would suggest monitoring the battery voltage on your truck while doing this if the voltage stays up and it still cranks slow you may be looking at a new starter, but more likely than not, if it cranks quickly and starts it's just due for new batteries...One more thing most batteries are date coded with a small sticker lettered (A-L A -January , L is December) and a #0-9 so a battery that has a sticker J8 would be October of 2008 if over 7 years old, well you get the idea, you could also have them load tested The test I used to do was load the battery to one half it's rated cold cranking amperage, if the voltage dropped below 10.2 volts before 15 seconds had elapsed the battery was considered bad. Hope this is helpful

 

[doxford jim]

Josh,

Check out these diesel websites - well worth spending the time to read their contents:
Mopar1973Man's Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forum
Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

There are many reasons why a diesel will get to be hard to start and most cases easily rectified.
Be warned - don't go rushing off to the stealerships (dealers) as their main function in life is to seperate you from your money, period.
A bit of research and a logical mind will save thousands of dollars - especially if you are handy and mechanically inclined. There is nothing wrong with not know something, as long as we also learn along the way.
To get ahead we all have to read and learn. Check out thse forums as any problems you are encountering, are already mentioned and solutions found. A lot of problems can be a voided by proper maintenance done atthe right time.
Quickly, replace your batteries with new ones, clean terminal connections and grounds. Put new fuel filter in and use some fuel treatment when fuelling your truck.
HTH
Jim

 

[joshuabardwell]

Just to reiterate that the only reason I was at the dealer is because my regular mechanic said there was a code in the ECM that he couldn't deal with, and told me to take it to the dealer. In retrospect, I think he may just not specialize in diesels.

 

[kenmac]

I didn't look that code up until just now,That's the same code (I believe I had) when I replaced both batteries.Guess I was just focused on the water in fuel.I see others have the same feelings I have about dealerships

 

[wmonroe]

I haven't personally changed the filter, but my girlfriend has run it out of fuel once, and I followed the priming instructions in the owner's manual. It says to crank for 1-2 seconds and if it doesn't start, just let it sit with the key in the ACC position for 30 seconds while the pump primes the lines, then try again. That was a couple of months ago, although maybe now you're going to tell me that I need to bleed my injection lines and that's why I'm having this problem. :laughing:

When was the last time the filter was changed? If the truck was run out of fuel you may have picked up some crud out of the bottom of the tank and the filter may be clogged. A diesel shop should be able to put a test fuel pressure gauge on in about 10 minutes to make sure your lift pump is putting out adequate pressure. Also just a note, your lift pump is in the tank on your 07. The in tank lift pumps have been very reliable.

 

[doxford jim]

Josh,

This is taken from a list for 2002 24V engine codes for Dodge Diesels. The newer engine codes might be a little different, though I doubt it.

P2509 - ECM/PCM Power Input Signal Intermittent

This could very well be caused by bad grounds or leaking electrical connections.

HTH

Jim

 

[joshuabardwell]

When was the last time the filter was changed? If the truck was run out of fuel you may have picked up some crud out of the bottom of the tank and the filter may be clogged. A diesel shop should be able to put a test fuel pressure gauge on in about 10 minutes to make sure your lift pump is putting out adequate pressure. Also just a note, your lift pump is in the tank on your 07. The in tank lift pumps have been very reliable.

The filter was changed about 8k miles ago. I may go ahead and change it now just on principle.

 

[kenmac]

Look in the bottom of the filter housing.I usually find crud in mine and clean it out b-4 installing new filter