OT Restart Dodge Ram OT

[PatS....]

I ran my 88 Dodge Ram 318 TBI out of gas this morning on the way to GET gas. At least thats what it seemed like...just quit

Now I can't seem to get it started. Turns over great. I primed it a bit but it doesn't seem to much like that.

Is there a trick to restart these throttle body injected trucks?

I killed the battery trying it, so waiting on the charger trying to figure out how to start it...

Any help would be appreciated!!

Pat (in the rain of course)

[Plymouthy Adams]

If you did not run out of gas..it could be the fuel pump gave up the ghost. On these TBI/Injected cars..key on runs pump for short 2-3 second burst to pressure the injectors..then when you start and the computer knows you have fire to the plugs..the car will start and power the pump agian. When you run out of fuel..about 5-6 key ons before starting will usually fully prime the system as it a recirc stlye setup. So you need to put your ear to the gas fill spout and see if you hear the pump run..if not..check the pump relay, if relay test good then check to see if you have fire at the plugs., if that is good...run diagnostics and see if you have a ASD problem..

[Norm's Coupe]

Sounds like Tim hit it with the fuel pump. There is one more thing about those pumps he didn't mention that I learned from experience on my 90 Caravan.

When the pump goes bad it will stop pumping when it gets warm. If you let the truck sit for maybe an hour or two, it might start right up again like nothing is wrong. Then after getting the pump warm again, it will shut down again. So....sounds like it might be time for a new fuel pump.

[JerseyHarold]

Another thing to try is depressing the Schrader Valve on the fuel line after cranking to see if pressurized gas squirts out (hold rag over valve and be careful). Is there an inertia switch somewhere that you can reset? Last but not least, if the pump stopped, maybe a whack on the gas tank near the pump (use rubber mallet so no sparks) might free it up.

[PatS....]

Tim hit it on the nose....turning the key a few times to prime it.

I started out turning the key until I heard all the clicking under the hood stop (over the pounding rain). 6 turns...nothing, 10 turns...nothing, 12 turns, a sputter!!!!

Then nothing. then I thought, I'll turn the key faster...bingo, away she went!!!

Took 3 times to start and stay running, but there's the trick!

THANKS TIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Norm and Harold. I'll check the fuel pump, and google the Schrader Valve 'cause I don't know what that is

This is the first time this old girl has let me down in over 2 years, and it was my own fault. (The price of gas is just brutal, but I gotta stop avoiding the inevitable)

Thanks again Tim, Norm and Harold!!!

[greg g]

Pat the Schrader valve is a fitting on the gas line to the injector. It looks like the valve on a tire. The tire valves are "Schrader valves" Good thing Coatney didn't invent a folding one . Frader Valves any one???