The problem started with the engine stalling without apparent reason at idle. Then it got worse, the engine was running rough and the way to keep it from stalling was to feather the fuel pedal and keep the rpm up. I changed the fuel filter this morning, increased the engine idle and filled the tank right up (in case I got bad fuel), but now when I turn the engine off I see fuel dripping slowly from the frame in front of the fuel tank so I suspect a pin hole somewhere along side or at the top of the fuel tank, which would cause the supply line to suck air when engine runs. I'm 400 miles from home, not towing anything. I wonder if I could cut the supply line and bypass it with a rubber hose stuck in the filler hole and connected to the accessible part of the supply line in front of the tank. Any ideas?

Added info. When I let the truck sit for more than 10 minutes I have to use the hand primer before starting or the engine will just crank over and not start.

Hi, Hubby was a Cummins Diesel instructor for 35+ years. I just read him your post. He recalls that the Dodge fuel tanks have a baffle to prevent people from siphoning fuel... BUT.. if you can get the hose in and well connected (as you stated) it could just work to get you to a dealer. HOWEVER, there are certainly some concerns ATTEMPING THIS as it is a SAFETY ISSUE and you are taking some risks with this repair. Also, technically it's illegal to run like this, but it sounds like you're stuck and just limping in. Good luck... .

Thanks. The truck is still running well at crusing speed so I'm just onsidering this in case it would get worse, as I can't see taking the fuel tank off, of going to a garage but there might be a way to get to the top of the tank to see where the leak is before doing anything. I would also be interested to get advice on pros and cons of replacing the OEM fuel line with a diesel grade flexible line, as the lines both in and return are getting rusted.

Funny you should mention that, but that was exactly what my husband said to mention to you when you came back.Over the years they had found that the 1996/1997's OEM's rubber fuel lines needed replaced a little sooner then other years. All of their company trucks of that year had to have those OEM lines replaced years ago. Our Dodge 2500 is a 1998 1/2, and he's not had those issues with it. So, the pro would be to replace all the rubber fuel lines as SOON as it's convenient to do so.The con is that you could be dealing with this issue until you replace all the lines. Hubby said to BE SURE and replace BOTH suction and return lines. We'll be up for a bit if you have any more questions...

PS FROM CARL - He said to tell you he knows of no issues with the OEM steel lines (only the rubber). But ck other forums in case someone has had a negative experience with the steel lines that he may not be aware of. ..

97 cummins sucking air | Good Sam Community

bovellois
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Added info. When I let the truck sit for more than 10 minutes I have to use the hand primer before starting or the engine will just crank over and not start.
The_Dung_Beetle
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Hi,

Hubby was a Cummins Diesel instructor for 35+ years. I just read him your post.

He recalls that the Dodge fuel tanks have a baffle to prevent people from siphoning fuel... BUT.. if you can get the hose in and well connected (as you stated) it could just work to get you to a dealer.

HOWEVER, there are certainly some concerns ATTEMPING THIS as it is a SAFETY ISSUE and you are taking some risks with this repair. Also, technically it's illegal to run like this, but it sounds like you're stuck and just limping in.

Good luck...
.
bovellois
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Thanks. The truck is still running well at crusing speed so I'm just onsidering this in case it would get worse, as I can't see taking the fuel tank off, of going to a garage but there might be a way to get to the top of the tank to see where the leak is before doing anything. I would also be interested to get advice on pros and cons of replacing the OEM fuel line with a diesel grade flexible line, as the lines both in and return are getting rusted.
The_Dung_Beetle
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Funny you should mention that, but that was exactly what my husband said to mention to you when you came back.

Over the years they had found that the 1996/1997's OEM's rubber fuel lines needed replaced a little sooner then other years. All of their company trucks of that year had to have those OEM lines replaced years ago. Our Dodge 2500 is a 1998 1/2, and he's not had those issues with it.

So, the pro would be to replace all the rubber fuel lines as SOON as it's convenient to do so.

The con is that you could be dealing with this issue until you replace all the lines. Hubby said to BE SURE and replace BOTH suction and return lines.

We'll be up for a bit if you have any more questions.
.
.
The_Dung_Beetle
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
PS FROM CARL -

He said to tell you he knows of no issues with the OEM steel lines (only the rubber). But ck other forums in case someone has had a negative experience with the steel lines that he may not be aware of.
.
.
bovellois
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Ok thanks a lot. I saw on another forum that the steel lines from the dealer are not that expensive so I think I'll just replace them that way. I hope to be able to report from home tomorrow night that the trip went well! I only have a couple of stops so as long as the engine runs normally at highway speed I'll be fine.
The_Dung_Beetle
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Best of luck... and safe travels...

G'night...
.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Does your Ram have the lift pump under the hood? Sounds just like mine did when the pump was going south. Rough idle, if it stalled it would take 10 to 15 minuets to start. New Air Dog 100 solved all my pump problems. Any good diesel shop can test the fuel pressure in about five minutes.

Good luck sorry to hear your stuck.

Don
bovellois
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Yes it's under the hood. Thanks for the tip.
RamTC
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013
Common problem for the 2nd gen Ram is the steel fuel line hidden between the tank and frame rusts through. You should consider replacing all the lines with diesel grade hose.

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