Dodge Repair: Wont start where engine is hot, temp gauge, engine temp

Question
I have a 2002 Ram 3500 4x4 Cummins with a manual 45RFE and 50,000 miles.  Last week I changed my oil and transmission fluid and filter.  I put a new fuel filter on because they are cheap and easy to get to.  Now I can start my truck just fine if the engine is cold iron, put as the engine temp rises, the starting becomes more difficult.  The temp gauge reads 190 and never gets above that.  If the engine is at normal operating temp and I shut down I have to wait for two to three hours the re-start the engine.  I have no rough or missing idle problems, my fuel is clean and clear with no water or particulate matter.  I have had three "diesel" machanics check it out and I always get the deer in head light look with no explaination.  I use the truck for a contracting business and need it every day so the dealer is out of the question because they want to keep it for two to three days.  As long I leave the truck running it is not an issues, but I dont know if this will get worse and eventually not start at all.

Answer
change the fuel filter again; this time use the cummins recommended filter.  All filters may look alike, but they are not / "will-fit is not correct-fit".  it would appear to be that internally the filter is restricting and as the engine temp rises it is allowing fuel to vaporize prematurely and thus not allowing you to start.  Basically what it is, lack of fuel volume once you reach adequate operating temps.  
There are a couple of other things that could cause similar issues, but you did not mention that you were having problems before, so I will assume they are not relevant.

I used to work for a cummins distributor directly, building engines and all of the related issues that go with it; in fact I personnaly have rebuilt 136 engines from bottom to top (large truck engines) and one thing I have found is that cummins has EXCELLENT quality control, and what they deliver is the best quality available.  In fact cummins owns the plant that designs and manufactures all of the filters.

good luck,

Charlie



Ken, just to offer some followup check out this:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-004-01.htm