OT: Any M GO Mechanics out there?

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July 20th, 2012 at 6:53 PM
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flablue13
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OT: Any M GO Mechanics out there?

I purchased a tailgating truck a month ago 98 Dodge Ram 4x4 with about 120,000 miles. Nothing special just something to tailgate with, ran pretty well when I first bought it. Replaced the brakes and rotors. Then after the test drive after I finished the brake project. I went to back the truck into the garage. I then stopped and turned the truck off so I could clean out the garage. I then came back to the truck about 10 minutes later and the truck wouldn't fire up. I went into the house tended to some business and came back out about 15 minutes later and she fired up. I backed the truck into the garage and has not started for a while. I have replaced the battery and no luck. It just wouldn't fire up. So today I went and checked spark. I have a spark. Checked for fuel pressure got nothing. So I had the wife pump the gas about 8 times. I then came back out about 15 mins later and she fired right up. Any ideas as to why its an inconsistent start? I do want to note that after it started I went back shut it off and re-checked the fuel pressure and it's about 4.5. any ideas would be appreciated!

Anyone who can help me with a diagnoses is welcome to my tailgate anytime. Thanks in advance!

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July 20th, 2012 at 7:00 PM | Im no mechanic but it sounds (Score:4 Normal)
BlueRaines
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Joined: 12/10/2009
MGoPoints: 492

Im no mechanic but it sounds like a bad fuel pump.

Go Baby Go

July 20th, 2012 at 7:04 PM | Yeah... (Score:1)
flablue13
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Thats kind of what I'm thinking... I'm just holding out hope for something small and stupid.

July 20th, 2012 at 8:34 PM | Filter (Score:1)
Vllnt
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Joined: 11/05/2011
MGoPoints: 57

Check the fuel filter first. Cheap and easy part. Some fuel pumps are in the gas tank and a pain in the ass to replace. Thanks to govt regulations

July 20th, 2012 at 8:53 PM | Uh, no (Score:3 Normal)
LB
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Joined: 09/26/2009
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Not even close. They are in the tanks because engineers like them in the place best suited for them.

May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift

July 21st, 2012 at 8:12 AM | Govt (Score:3 Normal)
Vllnt
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Not talking about the pumps themselves, but the extra crap connected to it. Purge valves, charcoal filter, vacuum lines, etc

July 20th, 2012 at 9:08 PM | If it won't start on you go (Score:2)
Frito Bandito
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If it won't start on you go down under the truck give her a jiggle or two then crank it. If it fires you'll get out of it cheap and easy.

Bears Beets Battlestar Galactica

July 20th, 2012 at 9:07 PM | bingo. (Score:2)
Frito Bandito
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bingo.

Bears Beets Battlestar Galactica

July 20th, 2012 at 7:03 PM | Does it crank and just not (Score:3 Normal)
ReadYourGuard
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MGoPoints: 6191

Does it crank and just not start or is it not cranking at all.

Just based loosely on what I can gather from your post, I'd concur that it's likely a fuel pump.  But before replacing that, I'd swamped fuel filters first just to make sure.  Do a whole tuneup:  air filter, fuel filter, plugs, and throttle body cleaning.

"the Spirit of Michigan...is based on a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways....and a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours" - Fielding Yost
July 20th, 2012 at 7:07 PM | it will crank... (Score:1)
flablue13
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and not start. I wanted to do a full tune up on it anyways so it's probably not a bad idea.

July 20th, 2012 at 7:30 PM | Anyone want to attempt to (Score:1)
Eat Your Wheatlies
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Joined: 11/17/2010
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Anyone want to attempt to replace my head gasket, radiator and water pump for under $3200? Im sure getting boned hard by my mechanic right now...one trade that I really wish I had learned a little bit about...

July 20th, 2012 at 8:23 PM | Where you at? If you're near Allen Park.... (Score:3 Normal)
M-Wolverine
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I'd recommend Mike's Complete Auto. They've been my mechanic for years. I had an engine block replaced for less than what you're paying, so it seems excessive. Wouldn't mind throwing them some business while my new car is under warranty. 313-388-6967. Dennis is in charge. If they don't answer right away, just means they're elbow deep under a hood. Try again later.

Edit: I can't guarantee it'll be cheaper, but if they quote the same price you know you're not getting fucked. Parts are parts though.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

July 20th, 2012 at 10:39 PM | what (Score:2)
HAIL-YEA
Joined: 07/15/2009
MGoPoints: 1010

what kind of car is it

How can you kill that which has no life

July 20th, 2012 at 7:41 PM | No mechanic but yea, not to (Score:1)
B-Nut-GoBlue
Joined: 09/30/2011
MGoPoints: 1681

No mechanic but yea, not to overstate it, it's most likely a fuel pump/fuel line issue.  I had an issue at one time with a fuel line/pump and it sounds similar (helped dad take the whole system apart and go at it ourselves; fun issue to deal with I must say).

July 20th, 2012 at 7:32 PM | Seconded; it sounds like (Score:2)
thisisme08
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Seconded; it sounds like something in your fuel system is clogged (such as the fuel filter) and after it sits whatever is blocking it falls off the screen allowing the engine to start again.  As far as not starting after its say awhile...I dunno but the whole tune up sounds like a good place to start.

Blue is Faster

July 20th, 2012 at 7:37 PM | A thought (Score:5 Normal)
somewittyname
Joined: 05/15/2009
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Have you checked the plutonium levels on your flux capacitor?

July 20th, 2012 at 7:45 PM | I highly doubt that's the (Score:3 Normal)
WolvinLA2
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I highly doubt that's the problem.  But it's certainly worth checking. 

July 20th, 2012 at 7:49 PM | What about the kanuter valve? (Score:4 Normal)
flablue13
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Or the muffler bearings? Lmao luv the humor

July 20th, 2012 at 8:13 PM | Uh-huh - back when I was young and knew everything, (Score:2)
LB
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muffler bearings cost me a steak at Weber's. They do exist, and were listed in the parts catalog as muffler bearings.

May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift

July 20th, 2012 at 10:37 PM | I doubt its an issue with the (Score:2 Normal)
russale2012
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I doubt its an issue with the flux capacitor, but maybe the car isn't generating the necessary 1.21 jigawatts.

It's been a lot. Its been a roller coaster that for some reason seemed like it would never get good. But you know what? We kept fighting. It's like that old saying goes, "Those Who Stay Will Be Champions." -David Molk

July 20th, 2012 at 7:48 PM | Hmmm (Score:5 Normal)
BiSB
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Did you try banging it with a wrench?

Try banging it with a wrench.

They no longer call me Bisbiño

July 20th, 2012 at 8:08 PM | Fuel pump (Score:1)
Roachgoblue
Joined: 08/29/2011
MGoPoints: 1477

Not a mechanic, but this seems like common sense. You have air and spark, plus you put gas in the tank.

[Caved troll is caved. Sorry, Mobile app users.]

July 20th, 2012 at 8:14 PM | Likely... (Score:3 Normal)
Hemlock Philosopher
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Fuel pump. Should be about an $800 job for all the parts. I'd do it for beer and parts, but I live in Florida, so that wouldn't help. 

Anyone who owns a vehicle that they plan on keeping for a long time: Never run it below 1/8 tank of gas. The fuel pump relies on the liquid gas in the tank to remain cool. Overheating is on of the main reasons for failure. 

Brewer. Wolverine.

July 20th, 2012 at 10:07 PM | Interesting (Score:1)
B-Nut-GoBlue
Joined: 09/30/2011
MGoPoints: 1681

Good to know regarding the fuel pump cooling and how that works.  I don't know if that's common knowledge in any way but I don't think I've heard that before  I'm somewhat notorious for running my gas "low-ish" (not terrible by any means but when it gets to 1/6 - 1/8 I let her ride a few more miles instead of getting right to a gas station). 

July 20th, 2012 at 8:15 PM | Ball Bearings. (Score:3 Normal)
M-Wolverine
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Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings nowadays. Now you prepare that Fetzer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads, and I'm gonna need 'bout ten quarts of anti-freeze, preferably Prestone. No, no make that Quaker State.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

July 20th, 2012 at 10:24 PM | whatcha (Score:2 Normal)
Shemmy126
Joined: 02/11/2009
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whatcha been doin up there sum stunt flyin' or something??

"You Can't Beat Somebody With Nobody " - Theodore Roosevelt

July 20th, 2012 at 8:20 PM | It might be getting a vapor (Score:1)
readerws6
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Joined: 09/03/2009
MGoPoints: 39

It might be getting a vapor lock in the fuel system, check by the fuel rail or whatever system you have and see if you have some kinda bleeder or pressure release valve and open it while cranking.

July 20th, 2012 at 8:28 PM | I checked that... (Score:1)
flablue13
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And it seems fine there. I checked it when I was checking the fuel pressure. Thanks for the advice!

July 20th, 2012 at 10:45 PM | dude (Score:2)
HAIL-YEA
Joined: 07/15/2009
MGoPoints: 1010

moost likely fuel pump/line like everyone says. The line could have been pinched a little somewhere when you did the brakes..so follow it from the tank up..after that and your filter..it ould hav to be the pump. 1 thing to do is turn the key to on and wait a few seconds before cranking..if that makes it start more often then your pump is going bad

How can you kill that which has no life

July 20th, 2012 at 10:36 PM | Word of wisdom: take up plumbing, electrical, undertaking, (Score:2)
Don
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MGoPoints: 19203

or automotive mechanics. You may not get filthy rich, but you'll never lack for work. Eventually, everybody needs help with their water, electricity, cars, or dead people.

Beats the hell out of pounding a keyboard all day.


July 20th, 2012 at 10:44 PM | I don't mind being a (Score:2)
Frito Bandito
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I don't mind being a mechanic. It's great knowlege to have. I don't plan on doing it my whole life but for the time being it's great. I'm still young and should end back up at UCF soon... I hope..

Bears Beets Battlestar Galactica

July 20th, 2012 at 10:47 PM | As others have said (Score:3 Normal)
Greg McMurtry
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Replace fuel filter first, but it's probably the fuel pump. When you turn the key you should hear the pump humming. If not it's dead. Try rockauto.com for a fuel pump if that is it. You want to run the tank empty if you replace the pump. Remove fuel tank straps, and you can use a hydraulic jack to lower the tank. I'm no mechanic, but I replaced my own fuel pump. It sucks, but it's doable.

...confidence is the stain they can't wipe off...

July 20th, 2012 at 11:56 PM | Not to thread Hi-jack (Score:1)
B-Nut-GoBlue
Joined: 09/30/2011
MGoPoints: 1681

But as it seems the OP's problem seems to be identified, dare I give a description of my problem and ask for a suggestion/idea for a fix??  I think I will.  Simply put:  While driving (98; Honda Civic) on interstate, loud, loud noise starts.  I pull over, it's obvious as to what the problem is.  The exhaust pipe/extension pipe coming out of the catalytic converter (which is right under center console between driver and passenger seats) that leads to the muffler in the rear, has detached itself from the catalytic converter; looks to be rusted away.  Is this a simple fix of welding the pipe back to the Cat or getting a small connector pipe to bind the two back together?!  I can obviously take it to get looked at and will but it just happened so I thought I'd ask our MGoMechanics another question in the apropos thread.

I got the car home okay and didn't die from CO posioning incase anyone was worried!

July 21st, 2012 at 1:05 AM | Is it broke from the manifold (Score:2)
Frito Bandito
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Is it broke from the manifold to the cats or cat back? Also are there 2 o2 sensors? 1 before the cat and 1 after? If there is they might end up getting you pretty good. Hell... Your cat may be taoast along with both o2s. That could be pretty expensive. And don't give them the junk Converter when they've finished. It's for money and full of platinum. Find a place that does free inspections and call around after you've been explained whats wrong.

Bears Beets Battlestar Galactica

July 21st, 2012 at 3:37 AM | yea (Score:1)
HAIL-YEA
Joined: 07/15/2009
MGoPoints: 1010

pretty sure the 02 sensor is attatched to the top of the converter on those civics..i doubt its bad he would have chk engine lights coming on..50/50 on whether the cat is bad...95% chance they will tell you it is anyway...find a mechanic you trust on that one...and yea a bad cat is worth about 150 bucks..offer it to them for a price slightly under that AFTER you get the bill..

How can you kill that which has no life

July 21st, 2012 at 11:59 PM | I've worked at an Exhaust (Score:1)
Frito Bandito
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MGoPoints: 912

I've worked at an Exhaust Shop for 5 years and my parents have owned 3 for 30 some years. If your light comes on, the scanner will usually say bank x code 420. The only way to tell is give the cat a knock. Listen to hear if it's hollow. If you don't know, cut it and find out (before and after cat, DERP) Not with a torch like an idiot but with a sawsall. On most rams like I said it will be obd2 one 02 before and after the cat. They started doing this in 95. The o2 sensors control the amount of gas being dumped.

As for your used cat prices... I've got a bridge to sell ya. Most foreign car and GM cats are worth money. Chryslers and Ford's aren't worth jack.. He wont get much. It depends just how much of the honeycomb is melted / broken blown through the back of the system. But $30 is $30.

/Platinum Life

/My bad I thought this was about the Ram all is true except it should have 1 o2 in the cat like homeboy said. Could also be a flex pipe pre cat though (around $80). I see that around 5 times a day. The money of the used cat won't be near $180 though. That I can promise.

Bears Beets Battlestar Galactica

July 21st, 2012 at 3:52 AM | Thanks Guys (Score:1)
B-Nut-GoBlue
Joined: 09/30/2011
MGoPoints: 1681

Frito, it is from the Cat back.  Pretty much right at the junction the pipe would come out of the cat, maybe up to 3/4 inch past the cat.

I will check on the O2 sensor(s) placement, but no engine lights on yet.  Thanks for the warning on the Cat. I knew they're worth money regardless if they're functioning or not but I will watch out for not getting gipped on it if it is in fact bad.

Am I neccessarily damaging the cat driving it around not connected to a posterior pipe? (or just creating havoc for the EPA).

July 22nd, 2012 at 2:41 PM | If its after the cat and o2 (Score:2)
Frito Bandito
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If its after the cat and o2 and the light isnt on you should be alright. Just bring it in to a shop and have them hack the broken pipe back a little ways so they can get a light in there to see if the cat is plugged or gutted. Then have them weld a slip pipe over it.. Probably $5-$10 just for a little piece of pipe to get rid of that leak.. Unless it's so rotten and can't lay a bead to it.

Bears Beets Battlestar Galactica

July 21st, 2012 at 8:35 AM | Youtube (Score:1)
Mgo_fly
Joined: 08/30/2010
MGoPoints: 90

There ia a youtube video with an alternate method for getting at the fuel pump.  Might be worth a try?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arfmFIi49q8

July 21st, 2012 at 9:08 AM | Airtex Fuel Pump (Score:4 Normal)
CharlotteWolverine
Joined: 11/10/2009
MGoPoints: 4

I read here religiously, although I never post...

I am not a mechanic, but I do work for a basic fuel pump manufacturer.  If you have done all your diagnostics and find it is the fuel pump, check out the videos on this site for installation tips :

http://www.airtexproducts.com/product-catalog.aspx

Obviously I'm biased, but fuel pumps are a mess DIY project and often a headache for professionals so make sure you are buying a good quality pump.  They are also one of the highest warranty items in the auto parts industry.  Stay away from the cheap direct import pumps like Spectra.  

Hope this helps

July 21st, 2012 at 10:48 AM | This amazes me, (Score:2 Normal)
jimjam24
Joined: 12/31/2010
MGoPoints: 155

i.e., how a person posts on most any question and gets scores of insightful responses in minutes. I remember when we had to look stuff up in books. Call me grandpa.

"If fans don't come to the ballpark, you can't stop em."

July 21st, 2012 at 11:55 AM | You could also try to cycle (Score:1)
UMxWolverines
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Joined: 03/01/2009
MGoPoints: 5245

You could also try to cycle the key three times. If it starts then it's probably the fuel pump.

"Ohio is like a giant turd that Michigan just can't pinch off"

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