Added filtration now lift pump dead?

[rrowdy]

I Just Purchased this truck and finished adding Xtra filters, Bumped the starter and heard the lift pump once, Started the truck which ran about a minute and died. bumped starter again and no lift pump. Set up an auxiliary pump and purged the system then re-started the truck with the lift pump which again stopped. Is there a good place to check for power to the lift pump?
I could not find any fuses or relays pertains to the pump in the PDC. I don’t think I can get to the fuel pump connector without dropping the tank and of course it’s full of fuel. Oh and no codes set. 103K on the clock and the PO was OCD about everything.
Any input on which way to go is appreciated!

 

[Wayne M.]

Being it’s a ‘04 truck, the pump was retrofitted to in tank. The added kit should be visible starting with where it plugs into where the original lift pump was- near the rear of the original fuel filter. I would start there. I don’t know much about the update (mine is still the original setup) but there might be a relay involved too. I just going by memory of what I read about the update kit.

on edit- this is pertaining to the 04 in your sig, correct?

 

[AH64ID]

There should be a relay for the fuel pump, there was on my 05.

 

[Killer223]

not all 04's were retrofitted, it might still be on the side of the block,

 

[rrowdy]

@WAYNE, yes this is on my ‘04.
Thank’s guys, My truck has a factory (as far as I know) in tank pump. When I was purging air from the filters, I heard a strange noise I’ve never heard
before so I’m thinking the pump might have cratered in my shop, hard to believe I know. I just want to make sure before draining and dropping the tank or removing the bed. Service manual states a 20A fuse and a fuel pump relay in the PDC but I didn’t see it shown underneath the cover.
Now I’m thinking I’m just going to change out the pump, I’ve changed so many lift pumps over the years I figure they’re “Grenades” ready to go
off in the middle of nowhere hauling horses in 115 degree heat. (Don’t ask me how I know this).
Thank you for the responses!

 

[Wayne M.]

Ok let us know how you make out. Also, if you can, show us more pics on your filter kit. Looks interesting.

 

[rrowdy]

Ok let us know how you make out. Also, if you can, show us more pics on your filter kit. Looks interesting.

I sure will. Have any idea of a good in tank pump module? Looked at Airtex, OEM and Fleece but prefer not to get Fleeced.

 

[Wayne M.]

You have a 04. Are you positive it was updated? The original is behind the original fuel filter canister.

 

[rrowdy]

Yes Wayne, one of my other 3500’s had the stock Pump which was located on the side/back of the OEM filter canister. This ‘04 has the in tank pump
module with no pump on the side of the fuel canister.

 

[MGreer]

Did you unhook the supply line going into your filter setup and then try the pump? The reason I ask this is when we would get in pumps they would put thin plastic plugs to prevent anything getting inside the pump during shipment.
I have seen where an installer forgot to remove a plug. The pump would run briefly and then not kick back on because it sensed pressure.

 

[rrowdy]

Did you unhook the supply line going into your filter setup and then try the pump? The reason I ask this is when we would get in pumps they would put thin plastic plugs to prevent anything getting inside the pump during shipment.
I have seen where an installer forgot to remove a plug. The pump would run briefly and then not kick back on because it sensed pressure.

Thank you @McGreer
I’ve been driving this truck for a few weeks then decided it was time for extra filtration, pulled it into the shop ordered the fittings, hose etc then fabbed up the filters and mount. There are no plugs anywhere in the system but I’m aware of the plugs you mention. When the engine stopped I disconnected
the in tank pump and rigged up another pump from a clean fuel source through the filters and to the engine. then bumped the starter a few times with the in tank pump routed into a splash pan and nothing. Next step is to drain the fuel, drop the tank and check/replace the pump and check the tank vent system which I found open to atmosphere and very dirty from mud an debris on my other trucks. The engine starts and runs fine as long as my auxiliary pump is running.
Thank you for your response and insight!

 

[Mschuman88]

I bought the Carter lift pump from Geno's for my '07. Happy with it so far. The only thing is I was hoping to get better fuel pressure but it still drops to 3-4 PSI when I'm pulling. But I've heard that's an adequate number for a stock truck.

I had an Airdog on my older truck and it failed after 1 year so I decided just to go stock this time. Hopefully it will last another 10 years!

The fleece pump looks interesting if you were looking to Add more power...

I sure will. Have any idea of a good in tank pump module? Looked at Airtex, OEM and Fleece but prefer not to get Fleeced.

 

[rrowdy]

@Mshuman88,
Thank you, I’ll look into the Carter as well, since I’m pushing through 3 filters, it might be barely adequate but we don’t have much choice for an in tank pump except maybe Fleece. I had an Air Dog I was happy with but prefer not to do tank mods and put up with the noise however they’re sure easier to change.

 

[p-Bar]

mine was retrofitted and the relay is on the firewall divers side.

 

[p-Bar]

mine was retrofitted and the relay is on the firewall drivers side

 

[rrowdy]

Thanks P-Bar, I emptied the tank and started down with it today and all the pump module wiring is enclosed into the main factory wiring loom to the
back of the bed. I thought this would be a conversion but it sure looks factory to me. Also I found the fuel pump relay in the PDC, the build on the truck
is 10/03 and I thought it would’ve had the pump on the filter canister like my 04.5 did. Somethings funny here unless the factory included a new wiring loom and relay for the conversion.

 

[p-Bar]

Wow something is fishy. The job they did on mine was not professional looking at all. Good luck. You may want to put in a draw straw for that pump. I didn't think you could pull fuel through the in tank pump

 

[rrowdy]

I tried and I couldn’t draw through the in tank pump , I disconnected it and used an auxiliary pump and fuel source to finish purging the air. Most of the in tank pumps use a gerotor or vane type positive displacement and you can’t draw through them.
I’ll try another in tank and if it fails I’ll draw straw the tank with a stock canister and use an external pump. At least when they fail it isn’t a major issue if you carry a spare.

 

[p-Bar]

When the dealer did the intank retro I asked for the old draw straw setup and they wouldn't give it to me . I wanted it for the same reason. I'm going on 140k with the intank pump and duel fuel filtration .

 

[rrowdy]

You’d think with all this “Space age” high tech equipment available that we could have a fuel pump that won’t leave us stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Yes, ALL these lift pumps are like grenades. In tank seems the most reliable but near impossible to replace, I’m still on the fence on which way to go.
I’m not pulling this tank again and bed removal isn’t easy with fifth wheel plates bolted through both frame rails. Thinking seriously of buying a couple of air dog pumps and modding the tank and module for a draw straw. At least when it fails you can be on the road again in maybe a few minutes.