1998 Dodge Dakota Starting hard after sitting

98_DAKOTA

MEMBER
1998 DODGE DAKOTA
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

After sitting for even just a few hours the truck cranks over alot more than it should to start, and the longer it sits the harder it starts. I did notice that the fill tube on the truck has developed a small leak when I am putting gas in the truck. When I turn the key on I do hear the fuel pump run. Could this problem be the fuel filter, and if so is the fuel filter located inside of the gas tank on this truck?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

It sounds like you have a problem with fuel pressure drop off. Basically, when you shut the engine off, the pressure drops fast. As a result, the fuel pump takes longer to build the needed pressure. You will need to do a fuel pressure test. Here is a how to. You will need a pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend them or rent them.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Sunday, October 3rd, 2010 AT 3:06 PM

98_DAKOTA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your advise, but the truck has seemed to "fixed itself". I believe the reason may be because the truck was sitting for a while before I bought it and when I got the truck I have put a few hundred miles on it. Now I have let the truck sit for 3 days straight and it started right away when I go to start it. I will keep your advise in mind if the problem pops up again. Thank you again for your time and knowledge.

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Friday, October 8th, 2010 AT 8:18 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS