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?

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 AT 5:29 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,053 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

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

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.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

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

JACOBANDNICKOLAS