Archived 04 Died again today

[kleinschmin]

My 04 3500 Quad cab 4x4 automatic 5. 9 HO died again today. This started back in May. When it dies normally I can pull over and prime the fuel filter by turning the key for 30 sec. s. Most of the time I do this more than once. Then it will restart. Some times it will keep running for along time 400-500 miles other times it dies right away. I have changed the fuel filter which was clean, changed the FCA, checked for fuel leaks, etc. The codes I pulled the first time were P0483, P0148 and P0088. I cleared the codes and drove it for awhile more before it died again. I primed it and off we went. I took it to the dealer who was unable to find anything wrong. I drove it for about 2500 miles with no problem and then today it quit again. This time I had just P0483. I primed it and got it home. While the previous owner had the truck about 25K miles ago, currently has 50K he took it into a dealer for no power, it would barely go 45 miles an hour at full throttle. The dealer converted the lift pump from the filter mounted version to the in the tank version. Before he was able to get it out of the dealership they finally changed the fuel filter, which probably was the original fix required. What should be a running fuel pressure of the lift pump at the filter? Can the lift pump faill without producing codes? Where do you think I should start? I really have enjoyed the truck until it started being unreliable.

 

[kleinschmin]

I finally had a chance to drop the tank. The filter screen and interior of the well of the fuel pump were plugged up with what appears to be thin sheets of plastic. The baffle in the tank appeared to be coated with the same material on the lower half of it or it is coming apart. Has anyone experienced this? The truck has only had diesel it's whole life. I live on the Mojave desert in California where we do have some cold but no extremes. I have completely cleaned the tank, fuel pump screen and bafffle as best i can and plan on putting it back together for now.

 

[Moose Truck]

I'd add a Fuel Pressure Gage,just to keep an eye on things, FWIW. Moose

 

[kleinschmin]

A fuel gauge is next on my list.

 

[Sticks]

I can see heat maybe causing something do delaminate, but not cold. No Biofuel... I'd be getting a hold of a dealer and seeing if there is a TSB on this. You still in warranty?

 

[kleinschmin]

Yes, I am still in warranty. Unfortunately our local dealer closed up. Have to go 90 miles, that is why I pulled the tank. I wasn't sure i could get there. I am going to call them Monday on it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

I wouldn't rule out that you picked up the plastic from the fuel station. Happened to me. I wrote up a detailed post in the 5. 9 engine forum. Good luck.

 

[kleinschmin]

I will have to look up what you wrote. Thanks... ... ...