Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Beware of Air Dog/Raptor Lift Pumps

[Jerryy]

I have a 99 3500 and approx. 12-months ago the Carter lift pump failed and took out my injector pump. I replaced both, then decided to upgrade to the Air Dog/Raptor lift pump in order to prevent future failures. Wow---was I wrong. In less than 5000 miles, the Air Dog/Raptor failed and took out my injector pump. Air Dog "graciously" offered to replace the piece of crap but will make no additional reimbursement for the injector pump replacement. I won't be doing business with them again.

 

[JR]

That's very unfortunate. That's why it is extremely important to have a fuel pressure. gauge, it sounds like maybe you don't have one? AirDog's quality has definitely gone off the deep end, mine crapped out the day after I got back from a 1000 mile trip in May. It was barely a year old and had less than 20k on it. They replaced it under warranty, and in the mean time I am looking for an alternative. I like the idea of the mechanical pumps but they don't recommend pulling through any filters and I don't know if I want to give up the added filtration. There just doesn't seem to be a good alternative out there right now.

 

[jgillott]

I had a very early model FASS on my former '01. I understand that others had difficulty with those pumps also, but mine was very good. I think the new owner of that truck is still running it almost 10 years later. I'm a little out of the loop on the 2nd gens at this point and I dont even know if those are still available.

 

[CKelley1]

airdog, raptor and fass are all junk. get a brushless pump

 

[VolsFan]

That is a shame, at least airdog replaced the pump. On mine it said in the fine print to install a fuel pressure gauge. I think too many folks call products 'crap' or 'junk' after an unfortunate experience, nine times out of ten it is installed incorrectly or not to the manufacturer specifications. When something fails, I try to find out why. Im sure there are far more satisfied customers than bitter ones.

 

[JR]

airdog, raptor and fass are all junk. get a brushless pump

Who has a brushless pump?

 

[JJPage]

My little Walbro is still pumping fine after 5+ years, and at it's low price I carry a spare!
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e1105...20523160008&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:MOTORS:1123

 

[Bob V]

If you take the time to look the FACTORY in tank pump is by far the most reliable.

 

[Road Dog]

The original owner of my truck had the OE pump fail; went with the Dodge in tank pump which failed; and went with a frame mounted pump (brand unknown) which has been fine for at least five years. You never know.

 

[JR]

If you take the time to look the FACTORY in tank pump is by far the most reliable.

Reliability aside the pressure is far from adequate, even with a lightly modded truck.

 

[CKelley1]

bob v gave good advice. several make brushless pumps we use fuelab but federal signal under the carter brand has one and there is several foreign ones. a mechanical one is even a better option.

 

[BIGNASTY]

If you take the time to look the FACTORY in tank pump is by far the most reliable.

When the factory pump quit on the side of the filter under warranty dealer said we have a replacement that goes in the tank NO THANKS!! that's just what I need to drop the fuel tank in the middle of no place to fix another FACTORY DEBOGGLE!!!

Reliability aside the pressure is far from adequate, even with a lightly modded truck.

Son had an in tank and had some power booster things IT DIDNT KEEP UP with the need

I have the Air Dog with the filters on it going great after 100k and still puts the pressure out according to the gauge. And I agree D4L a gauge is a must if for nothing else the cool factor but can tell if filters are getting plugged

 

[twheat]

I have been hearing more and more about the Airdogs failing. From what I have read its the new ones with the quick disconnect fittings. I have had mine for 4 years and it has the old JIC push-lock fittings and I have had zero issues. 21PSI at idle and 18 at WOT. Do you have the one with the "quick disconnect fittings?" I have also heard they're customer service sucks... . imagine that.

 

[JR]

I just replaced my Air Dog under warranty last month and they gave me zero problems, replaced the pump no questions asked and I didnt even have to send the old one back. Even struck up a conversation with The guy on the phone. He recognized the name of my town, turns out he had just been through for an MX race. We have a large indoor track a few miles from me, and for anyone who might recognize the name Trevor Vines, he owns a large chunk of property nearby with a large outdoor track and freestyle track as well. Anyhow, we ended up talking for several minutes about life in general, places we have been and raced, what a small world it can be. Nice guy, with that being said I hope it's the last time I ever have to call him.

 

[JFought]

my air dog with 4 filters is doing fine! about 2 yrs old and 60k miles ( do have have a gauge at injection pump)

 

[ed9824v]

I have been hearing more and more about the Airdogs failing. From what I have read its the new ones with the quick disconnect fittings. I have had mine for 4 years and it has the old JIC push-lock fittings and I have had zero issues. 21PSI at idle and 18 at WOT. Do you have the one with the "quick disconnect fittings?" I have also heard they're customer service sucks... . imagine that.

I am in the exact same boat no problem with kinda high pressure and never too low no problems with a sending unit in the cab

 

[BlackBullit]

I got an Airdog on my truck. It's run like a jewel for me. We did have some issues with the Raptor pumps tho, but seems like the Airdog with the filters is better.

We've had worse issues with FASS. There customer service is horrible. I refuse to do any more business with FASS.

 

[jeepit]

I have have had an AirDog for 9 years now and it has run perfect since day one. I have an early model which may explain it.

 

[K5IP]

Genos Garage has a replacement Carter pump which is now brushless. On my 03, it mounts on the fuel filter just like the original. Easy bolt on exchange and I kept my original for a spare.

They also include a pre filter with the pump, All for about $150.

I bought mine on amazon for less but it did not have the filter. In my case I have added two additional filters on the frame and their filter was not necessary.

We will see if brushless it better!

Rog