Archived 2001 fuel filter change , now won't prime?

[CConley]

I changed the fuel filter today and I can't get the system primed to the banjo fitting at the (test port fitting) injection pump inlet. Truck ran fine prior to the filter change. I read about lift pump failure often , do you hear the pump running after it has failed? I can activate the 25 second lift pump mode and hear it running but am not getting fuel to air bleed/test port banjo fitting. I have followed service manuel directions for the bleed procedure. Truck is all stock with 56k. 2001 3500 Ho 6spd 4x4. Thank you Chris Update- 10/30 I replaced the pump with a new Carter Pump from Cummins West and the truck runs fine . Why it failed at filter service ? I don't know, But I do believe that the pump is subjected to something caused by the filter service procedure. What? I don't know , but I don't think it's a coincidence.

 

[csevers]

Yes the pumps can be bad even thou you can hear the electric motor running. How many times have you bumped the starter? It may take 2 or 3 times but if you still don't get fuel then it is very likely you have a dead lift pump. VERY COMMON unfortunately !!!



Craig

 

[Eventer]

I had a bad lift pump about 10,000 miles ago (replaced under warranty). Same problem you are seeing. Everything worked fine until I changed the filter then the pump stopped running and the truck would not start. I unplugged the pump, cleaned the contacts, plugged it in and was able to start the truck after the filter bowl refilled.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yes, Chris, I'd day 90% chance your lift pump is toast. Even if you hear it running.



Your truck will run just fine with a dead lift pump (but it's a killer on the injection pump), until you do something that introduces air into the system, such as changing your fuel filter. Then there is no possible way to restart it, until you replace the lift pump.



The good news is you discovered the problem before you killed your injection pump.



Vaughn

 

[Chief USA]

Try opening up the fuel filter assembly and manually (i. e. adding fuel up to near the top lip with clean fuel. I have a 2002 and it takes approx. 18 oz. to fully fill the filter bowl with the filter in. Place a good size rag under the VP pump and remove the schrader valve cap, place a small screw driver or other tool to depress the schrader valve stem near by. THEN try bumping the ignition to put the lift pump thru the 25 sec. prime mode and quickly jump out and depress the schrader valve while the lift pump is running. Keep the valve stem depressed until you hear the lift pump motor load down and loose rpm. The sytem is now primed and ready to start unless you ran the injectors dry. You will have to prime the injectors if this is the case. Problem is that even a new lift pump is weak to begin with and does not draw fuel well. This is compounded by the large air pocket that is formed in the filter housing from the fiter change. The pump just does not have enough umph to push the air through. This is how I change my filter out and it works good for me. I use a 2 stroke oil mixing syringe you can buy at Walmart for about $2. I hold 3 oz. Works great and does not make a big mess spilling fuel. Anyhow, good luck! Let us know how you made out.

 

[JFinke]

Then there is no possible way to restart it, until you replace the lift pump.



The good news is you discovered the problem before you killed your injection pump.



Vaughn

You can use a vaccum pump to remove the air from the system and restart it with a dead lift pump. Did this on a truck that was on warantee still and dealer did'nt want to replace LP for low pressure. After it totally failed he kept driving it but wanted to change the filter. I changed the filter and he got almost 7K miles before the VP puked.



You discovered the problem before you killed the VP..... but it may be mortally wounded. Good luck, but it looks like you should have plenty of warantee left.

 

[lschultz]

Thats what happened to my sons 99 a while back when he changed his fuel filter been changing them every 10000 miles. I think his original lift pump made it to around 140000. He replaced lift pump and then had to crack injector line(#3 I think) to bleed air out. Then he started hearing air come out his tank when he took the cap off to refuel. Where the bands go around the tank it was sucked up on the bottom. The rollover valve on top of his tank was clogged up with dirt. Cleaned it out and put some air pressure on tank and some of the tank poped back out. I think the rollover valve being clogged up led to the death of his lift pump. But it sounds like your lift pump needs to be replaced. Some of them go out early and some keep on going.

 

[Ron Bissett]

What ever you do get a fuel pressure gauge ,your choice . Then you can see if the pump is working or not . Do Bleed the air out ,and make sure the fuel is high enough in the tank to flow to the filter and to the injector pump ,You should have 12 psi at idle . Under load not less than 8 psi . Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY

 

[CConley]

Thank you , I did not know that the truck would run without a functioning lift pump. It makes a whole lot more sense that the pump was already bad And didn't fail from the filter change (which made no sense). I also now understand why some of you run fuel pressure gauges( which now makes total sense). Thanks again ,Chris