Engine shut off and will not start

1995 DODGE DAKOTA
220,000 MILES • 3.9L • V6 • 2WD • MANUAL
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AARON CLEMMERSON
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  • 2 POSTS
Recently replaced my fuel pump and ran great for about a month and a half shut off on me today and won't start. Will try with starting fluid and I hear pump come on as soon as I turn on key. Help please!!
Apr 13, 2021 at 9:55 AM
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HARRY P
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Hello. Having had bad experiences with aftermarket fuel pumps, I will say that the first thing to do would be to borrow a fuel pressure tester from the parts store and check the pressure. You'll hook that pressure gauge up to the schrader valve on the fuel rail. Turn the key on and see what pressure you get. Alldata days that you should get from 35-45 PSI with the engine running. So, you should get more than 45 PSI with the key on, engine off. If not, replace the pump again.

Here's how to do the test, generally: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Also, I'm attaching screenshots of Alldatas limited information on checking the fuel pressure for this truck.

Start there and let us know what happens.
Apr 13, 2021 at 12:47 PM
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AARON CLEMMERSON
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I can hear fuel pump kick on when I turn key.
Apr 20, 2021 at 4:39 AM
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HARRY P
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Hello again. Sorry I just saw where you replied. I would still check the pressure output of the pump. Just because it runs doesn't mean it's strong enough.

If the pressure turns out to be enough, then we should move to checking for sparks. Basically, you're going to observe an in line spark tester on each cylinder while someone else cranks the engine. The tester should flash fairly brightly each time a spark comes through. Try it on a car that runs to see how bright sparks should be.

I use a tester similar to this one: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-20610-Inline-Spark-Tester/dp/B0002STSC6&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwigvZuV4JHwAhWSK80KHcI3ABQQFjAAegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw2WSoBk23FZufCezXRVNNWI

You can buy them at the local parts shops or online if you want to save a little cash.

Either way, let us know what you find and we'll go from there.
Apr 22, 2021 at 4:27 AM