Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ticking Noise = Lift Pump?

[JacobsonD]

When I stand outside the pickup next to the driver’s side door, I hear a ticking noise. I suspect it’s coming from the lift pump and that the lift pump plunger is slapping against the cam lobe to produce the ticking noise. I don’t hear the noise from within the cab, and I don’t hear the ticking noise over engine noise itself when I walk around to the front of the pickup.



So my question is what could be emitting the ticking noise other than the lift pump? If it is the lift pump, is there a kit I can purchase to rebuild the lift pump and have the truck up and running again on the same day? Or do I need to purchase a new lift pump? This is my daily driver, and I need to be able to finish any maintenance project the same day it’s started.



Are the hardest parts of replacing the lift pump getting the starter out of the way and getting the camshaft rotated to the right position to keep the lift pump plunger from falling into the oil pan? Any suggestions?



It looks like I’ll need a special wrench for removing the starter. I know Geno’s sells it, but I hate to pay shipping from Georgia to California for a wrench. Anyone know of other tool vendors that would sell the same wrench locally in Southern California?



Thanks.

 

[GAmes]

I didn't need a special wrench to remove my starter, just a long extension and a cheater bar on the breaker bar. I would recommend you get a new hose for the fuel heater, it all comes off as an assy anyway. Also, 55mm long studs on place of the bolts makes reinstall a lot easier.



on edit, just looked at your sig. 125k isn't much for the pump, so that may not be your ticking noise. My first one lasted nearly 300k before it started to tick, never failed. This one has over 300k on it with no noise.

 

[JacobsonD]

Thanks. I'm going to get under the hood today for an oil filter change, and I'll take a closer look at whether or not I also have the tools for the removing the starter. I'm also going to see if I can isolate the ticking noise. It'd be nice if it were something even easier.

 

[9 Lives]

generally the ticking on a 12V is the fuel return lines where it T's in the line. Some notice it louder while under load.

 

[GAmes]

If it turns out you need to replace it check your local Case/IH tractor dealer. They use 12 valve Cummins and the only difference in the pumps are one of the fittings. I took the fitting from my old pump and installed it on the Case pump. Theirs was about $20 cheaper than Cummins. I never checked the price at a dealer.

 

[surfbeetle]

Before you replace the LP, replace the overflow return valve, cummins wants $160 for it, PDR has them for $55. 00 PDR Diesel Performance: Overflow Valve



I replaced mine and the ticking stopped.

 

[JacobsonD]

I replaced the overflow valve four months ago in December. That solved a fueling problem. I'm not sure how long the truck has been making the ticking noise. I just noticed a few weeks ago.



Thanks for the suggestion for the Case/IH parts department.

 

[bigdaddydieseldan]

my liftpump died at a little over 131,000 miles when it dies it dies there is no mileage guarantee #@$%! #@$%! #@$%!



all you need is a 10mm 12pt socket in 3/8 or 1/2 drive to get the starter off and it is a pain in the a** #@$%! #@$%! #@$%!





good luck:-laf :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[DavidGardner]

Dont forget to disconect your batterys. Dont ask me how I know this. Can you say "welding a wrench to the block"?

 

[Dieselnut59]

The "ticking" on my '96 and '98 work truck is just the plastic fuel lines "cavitating" from the fuel pulses of the transfer pump. It has done it as long as I can remember. Hold onto the lines under the cab and see if the "ticking" matches with the pulses felt on the lines. If so, you have no problem.

 

[MAllen]

is it as easy as it seems to change the overflow valve?

 

[JacobsonD]

Thanks for the suggestion about the holding the fuel lines. I hope that is what is making the noise.



I didn't do the work to change the overflow valve, but I can't imagine that it's tough.

 

[surfbeetle]

is it as easy as it seems to change the overflow valve?

15 minutes. 10 of those were to pull the truck up to the driveway and open the garage door, open the toolbox. Yes it's really that easy.



If you follow the link I posted earlier, then make sure you get the washers for it. I had to go to the local cummins dealer to get mine as they weren't included with the valve.