Archived 03 won't stay running

[PStraub]

Greetings All!



Brand new dodge owner here... had it for 3 weeks now. It's an '03 SRW 3500, HO, 6 speed 4x4. 168,000kms.



Was driving to work today... about 20 minutes into the drive while downtown, the engine quite. I coasted it to a parking space downtown. It struggles to start... cranking for 3-5 seconds, it starts... builds oil pressure, then dies after about 5 seconds or so. No check engine light, all gauges look normal, 3/4 tank of fuel that I've confirmed by smell and reciept that is diesel. Ambient temperature is a balmy 7C so it can't be frozen or gelled...



My guess is lift pump. How do I verify that's the problem? Where is it located? Is this a dealer part, or does the aftermarket have them? DO I pretty much have to have it towed, or is there a sneaky way to get this limped home under it's own power?



Help!



Peter Straub

Calgary, AB

 

[Slow Six]

Sounds like a lift pump. When mine went out it tried to run but would just die. After a few attempts I needed a tow. The replacement lifts pumps go in the tank now so it is a bit of a job to replace them. There are some after market kits available as well.

 

[trainhorndodge]

I have to agree it sounds like the lift pump. My 04. 5 did the same exact thing with only 41,000 miles on it. The pump is behind the fuel filter housing. It's either an aluminum Carter pump or a small black cylinder looking pump mounted directly to the back of the filter housing. You should hear some type of buzzing noise when you first turn the key on. If not bump the starter without starting the truck and it will cycle the pump for about 20-30 seconds. If you don't hear anything then most likely it's bad. Easy way to check is by cracking the drain valve on filter housing while cycling the pump. You should get a fairly quick flow. If not check the 2 wire plug for 12v while cylcling the pump. If you have 12v and now flow then it's bad. If you do get a flow time how long it takes to fill up a quart container and do your calculations to figure out how many gph your pump is transfering. Adding low pressure side gauge is also a very good idea to monitor your delivery press. If you replace it go with the FASS 150 pump. It's worth every penny.

 

[ThomasCook]

Check fuel filter

I had a similar thing happen to me about 2 years ago and all I could figure was a combination of bad fuel and the resulting plugged fuel filter. I changed the filter and noticed some black particulate matter in the bottom of the filter bowl. Cleaned everything and then ran fuel additives for the next couple of tankfuls...

 

[CLeach]

lift pump is bad,

almost a given, just have went thru the process, truck finally quit xmas eve, great present... ... ... ... ..... waiting on an aftermarket pump now, no warranty left, 104K miles on my 04, good luck, your choce for aftermarket are a fass, holley or bd, choices are by cost and preference



good luck

 

[CLeach]

yeehaw... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .

installed a FASS, truck seems to be fine, leaving for Fla, will update if any problems,

thanks everyone

 

[PStraub]

It was definately the fuel lift pump.



1. Couldn't hear it running.

2. Tested the eletrical leads to the pump... there was power.

3. Removed the pump and bench tested it, and definately dead.



I have a Holley Blue fuel pump/pressure regulator sitting on the shelf.



Can I buy some sort of adapter to connect a standard 3/8" ID fuel hose to where the stock lift pump bolts to the filter housing? The outlet from the fuel lift pump into the filte housing appears to be integral to the stock pump.



Peter Straub

 

[PStraub]

Can I buy some sort of adapter to connect a standard 3/8" ID fuel hose to where the stock lift pump bolts to the filter housing?

Found one! The local diesel performance shop had some of these adapters machined for them. Very nice little piece out of aluminum, anodized red with an ORB fitting. Should do the trick.



Peter Straub