Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2 lift pumps in 5 months what the .......!

[JCyrbok]

Here's my story, which I am sure is not unlike others.



Factory lift pump went 28K and was replaced in 9/03. was replaced as a preemptive strike as cruising pressure was about 6psi.



Replacement 1 lasted until 39K and was replaced 9/04. This one completely died while driving home from work. 12PSI one second, 0psi the next!.



Replacement 2 lasted until today, which is 44k and less than 5 months since it went in. Again was driving and one minutes was fine next 0psi. Also changed fuel filter to rule out bad fuel/BioDiesel gunk.



Both replacments 1 and 2 died with in 5 mintues after start up. Both were in cold weather, 9/04 was pretty cold, in the 30's and today is in the teens.



I replace my pumps myself as I dont have the time for the dealer to have it for at least a day going through their tests, even though my FP gauge is showing no PSI. I know that they use volume, but no psi=very little if any volume!



3 pumps @ $150 from CUmmins=$450!!!! WHat the F... !



I tore this pump apart and the screen was clean and it ran when hooked up to a 12volt drill battery. It did have a weird sound when on the truck with the key bump 25sec run.



My one concern for this pump was that my regular station switched to B20 BioDiesel this month and this was the first tank full.



Any ideas??? I would rather not shell out for a Rasp/Fass/Airdog, as I really dont have the money at this time. ALso I worry about DC voiding warranties over a none stock pump.



Anyone ever have any DC warranty issues with a pusher or other above mentioned fuel pump system. They seem to like to void warranties when ever possible. I'm looking towards the Enterprise Engine pusher setup for a fix, but kinda feel like this is a bandaide on a gapping wound!



I dont consider a lift pump to be a "consumible" like oil changes, but I have changed my oil once in the last 30K but have changed 3 lift pumps!



Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent!

J-





PS I have run stanadyne since the first tank and every tank since. ALso fuel box has been off of truck since November and Scotty out since summers end.

 

[lkuykendall]

I know how you feel; I put my fourth on last weekend. My pickup has 42,000 miles; I always fill the tank when half empty and I run stanodyne in every tank. I am going to add a pusher or eliminate the current lift pump as soon as time allows. Good luck and let me know if you find a good alternative.



Len

 

[Wiredawg]

After losing an injection pump on my 02, I installed a FASS. No low pressure problems for me and the price is = to 3. 5 lift pumps or . 20 injection pumps.



I highly reccomend the FASS.



Wiredawg

 

[arollan]

If move the lift pump to the frame directly infront of the tank then the pump will be pushing fuel 6 feet or so rather than pulling the fuel that distance. Carter make the lift pump and if you by the Carter it comes with the bracket to mount it to the frame. Then just extend the wiring, modify the plumbing and away you go. So far so good for mine, with 20k+ miles. I've also installed an oil presure sensor (7psi) and a dumie light in the cab that tells me when the pump aint pumpin.

 

[rweis]

I would suggest reading the miles of threads of moving the lp to the frame.



Then I would look at the fuel system as a SYSTEM. Pump, lines, banjos, turbulent fuel, filtering, psi, water, alge growth, lubricity, air. Then decide how to maximize the good qualities and minimize the bad qualities.



Clean it (particulates, water), lube it, pump it, monitor it.



Know what the VP is expecting. Talk to VP rebuilders. What takes the VP out and why then prevent that.



I'm in warm weather so it is easier to pump fuel in florida than in snow country. What works for me might not work for you. Do you heat the fuel before it goes to the fuel system so it is easier to pump? I would think if it is tough on the lp then it is going to fail sooner.



Just some thoughts,



Bob Weis

 

[OPoole]

The Rasp pump is priced high. But after 3 stock LP your half way there

 

[BLACKRAM]

I went through three LP's before I got smart and put on a RASP.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It could be bad pumps, but it could be contaminated (dirty, wet) fuel destroying pumps. Remove the fuel filter and check it carefully for dirt, and the reservoir for traces of water.

 

[Casey Ray]

On my '02 one of the first things I did was put on gauges and boy am I glad I did. First lp went out at 8k, 2nd lp went out at 10k. Put a FASS II on about a month ago, left the third one hangin off the Cummins, just in case I'm campin and some fellow CTD has lp problems, we can transfer my old lp and get him back on the road. At least that's the plan. Get something other than the stock set up, you'll be glad you did.



Gud Luk,



Casey

 

[OTRPU]

Heck, I had one LP not even last for one delivery, bout 2,200 mi round trip. It showed 15 lbs when installed, but was less than 6 when I got back.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[bfriskey]

Last summer first vp and lift pump, 3 more lp in the following 3 months. 12 @idle, pulling tt 0 psi. Stopped at stealership twice for this approx $200 each time sorry nothing wrong not covered by warrenty. vp was put on at stealership.

vp went out again 5 month, thankfully covered. Between all the work at the stealership $2600 later got smart (I hope) and put fass on 6 months later no problems 15 psi no matter what. Just another vp case.

 

[GKinney]

lift pumps

Makes me wonder how many of these failed lift pumps is caused by a plugged/collapsed screen in the tank module or a plugged tank vent. If the lift pumps are working their guts out to pump any fuel at all, they will be short lived no doubt. Sure makes me feel safer that my fass is sucking 1/2" of unrestricted fuel from the tank. Something to think about???? Just my $. 25 worth.

 

[I-6DZL]

JCyrbok i installed a pusher pump kit from renegade diesel performance. Very nice kit. Don't know where you're at in MI, but i could help install if you'd like. Pretty easy, if you have a LB, SB is a pain in the rear!



Good Luck

Curtis

 

[OPoole]

Not everybody has a ton of money to drop on the RASP. they are good pumps and work great. But trucks with a good or new LP should try this line kit very low priced. Would be gald to help fix this problem.

 

[R-N-R]

Next weekend I plan to install my kit from Olee plus a frame mounted pusher pump, regulator, etc... , very nice kit I might add. I also have a VP exchange going at the same time.

 

[Slightly Modified]

I am on my third lift pump as well in a little under a year. I bought one at Cummins to replace the original and it lasted four months. They replaced it under their warranty for free and this one seems to be stronger than the last two so I am hoping it will last. They should have replaced all of yours for free since they come with a six month warranty. Hope you finally got a good one.

 

[JCyrbok]

I wasnt aware that Cummins warrantied the pumps for 6 months, that would have helped out on the $. Maybe if I take the last pump and my receipt to them they would sympathetic, LOL. Its worth a shot.



I was also thinking about the screen in the tank module, as this is the only part that u really cant readily check and/or clean, plus it sits in the crud that is floating in the tank. I was thinking about removing the fuel pick up and running just a open fuel line from the tank. I would run that through a pre-filter prior to getting to the LP, to catch any chunks of crap. Has anyone done this??Good, bad or indifferent?



OPoole, what it the link to that hose line kit? Is it one of your products? Let me know, I have always been interested in upgrading my fuel lines to reduce restriction. I missed out on the Wildcat kits, when they stopped selling them.



Also does anyone know if the stock or pusher pumps can be mouted upside down? That may make install and replacement back by the tank easier, on a SB truck, as the fuel lines and mounting bolts would be easier to access. U would just have to remember to turn the pump 180deg to get the inlet and outlet on the right sides.



Thanks again for all the info guys, keep it coming

J-

 

[OPoole]

Yes check out www.powerbypoole.com I like putting the pump back at the tank carter 4601 15lbs. works great. With all -6an lines from tank to VP44. I will work with what ever pump you have. The stock LP is a carter with 12mm and the 4601 has 3/8npt.

 

[OPoole]

Rock N Rammer. . let me know how it turns out. . Gald to help man!

 

[KDoerr]

Good day here is something that will help. Cut the fuel line thats under the cab( the black one) and got to the auto parts store and pick up a fuel filter from a 98-2002 ford 4. 2L v6 and some hose clamps and put that big fillter in and that will help with the dirt getting to the lift pump. I did this becouse I had the same problem and I change that filter when I change the other one I knock on wood no problems yet and I have it in for about 100,000 km.