2003-2004 Lift Pump Problems?

[DwayneKelch]

I had a lift pump replaced on my 2001 by the local Dodge dealership today. While there, I overheard a conversation between the parts guy and an owner of a 2004 Dodge/Cummins... of course it got my curiosity up so I had to get in on their discussion.



Apparently, the guy had 4 lift pumps and one injection pumped replaced since he owned the truck. In fact his truck was still down waiting for parts. Dodge, the dealership, had ordered him a new kit that's supposed to relocate the lift pump inside the fuel tank. First I've heard about this... anyone else? The parts guy said there won't be a recall, just a TSB. Meantime, to make the owner happy, the dealer gave him another lift pump to get him on the road.



I haven't done a search in this forum yet, so this info may already be on another thread. I'll do a search to see. Sorry if I've duplicated info already provided.





Dwayne

 

[bombero]

This is the kind of post that really makes me upset(see no cuss words) Why dont you go back to the second gen pages where you can whine about lift pumps or anything else you want.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

bomrero, I've read DK's post about 4 times now and to me he is not whining about anything. He asked a simple question about relocation kits. So maybe you should go back and re-read what he wrote before you open your mouth. You owe him a posted apology!!

 

[bombero]

Does anyone think that there is a 04 CTD that has had 4 lift pumps and the injector pump replaced and now the dealer is going to give him another because they are nice guys. Jee he overhead the parts guy talking to ??. This is way so much BS gets started

 

[DwayneKelch]

Bombero,



Your attitude is exactly like those who missed getting on the ark with Noah, even the animals had more sense.



You seem to have missed the fact that I did talk with the owner of the truck as-well-as the parts guy. Even seen the printout the parts guy had with the part numbers of the kits... two different kits depending on whether you have a 34 or 35 gallon tank.

 

[MFalkinham]

Dwayne, Thanks for the heads up on this issue. Tomeygun has already posted about the lift pump relocation kit, and I believe his dealership is selling it for under $300, plus labor. This is the first I've heard of a 3rd Gen having that many lift pumps go out in such a short amount of time.

I thought that the 3rd Gens really didn't need a lift pump unless they lose the prime? Aren't the Duramax trucks running the same Bosch CP3 injection pump that we are? They don't have lift pumps as far as I know, just a manual primer bulb in case they lose the prime. If that is true, then a bad lift pump on a 3rd Gen wouldn't hurt anything (except our wallets)?

 

[Tomeygun]

Dwayne, Thanks for the heads up on this issue. Tomeygun has already posted about the lift pump relocation kit, and I believe his dealership is selling it for under $300, plus labor. This is the first I've heard of a 3rd Gen having that many lift pumps go out in such a short amount of time.



I thought that the 3rd Gens really didn't need a lift pump unless they lose the prime? Aren't the Duramax trucks running the same Bosch CP3 injection pump that we are? They don't have lift pumps as far as I know, just a manual primer bulb in case they lose the prime. If that is true, then a bad lift pump on a 3rd Gen wouldn't hurt anything (except our wallets)?

I did have a customer drive 150 miles to me with a dead liftpump, and the CP3 survived



that said, I have heard of a CP3 failure because of a dead LP, so I have NO idea what to think - (other than I love my DPP pump, If it dies, I know right away = all of a sudden quiet )

 

[DwayneKelch]

MFalkinham,



Thanks for the info on previous thread (Tomeygun's), I'll do a search as I have a couple of friends with 2003s.



Too, I'll go back to the dealer and try to get part numbers, unless in previous thread by Tomeygun, from the parts guy. Obviously LP problems are somewhat isolated on the 3rd Gen. Just want to give my friends some options if ever faced with a failure.



Not sure what the Duramax uses for an injection pump or fuel delivery system. I haven't ever had the opportunity to really look one over closely. Guess I need to have a look.



Tomeygun,



As always, you continue to keep all abreast of data that impacts our trucks... thanks!



Bombero,



I must apologize for my comment... Hope your 04. 5 3rd Gen has many trouble-free miles.





Dwayne

 

[DwayneKelch]

MFalkinham,



Found the thread you mentioned - started by MBergman with posts by others. There were part numbers listed in the thread, will check with local dealership to verify status of kits/numbers. Thanks.

 

[Elite1]

My lift pump went out at about 50k miles, replaced it with the stocker... . kind wish I did an after market fix now, switching to an external pusher pump like Diesel Dynamics has available is the ticket, IMO. I don't like the idea of the "in tank" variety... what a PIA if it goes out!

 

[Matt400]

Aren't the Duramax trucks running the same Bosch CP3 injection pump that we are? They don't have lift pumps as far as I know, just a manual primer bulb in case they lose the prime. If that is true, then a bad lift pump on a 3rd Gen wouldn't hurt anything

The trouble is when the lift quits it creates such a restriction that the CP3 has a hard time sucking through it where the D-max is wide open. I read where D-max owners are adding lift pumps on boxed trucks though.



A heads up that every bombed 03-04. 5 owner should think about. .

A proven performance upgrade is the Scotty SmartFuel Kit and Holley Blue pump BUT if you change to the new "intank" pump you will have lost your old style fuel tank pick up that is straight through with no pump and that is what you would want for an aftermarket pump such as the Holley Blue.



There is an 05 owner who has posted 0 psi with a Quad 140 box which makes me skeptable about going intank, I was thinking that route with larger fuel lines but am unsure of it.

An external pump may not be such a bad idea especially if you plumb a line around it with a valve so if the pump were to quit you could turn the valve and let the CP3 work like the D-max does to get home by taking it easy.

 

[Tomeygun]

one things for sure, I was a bit worried about totaly re-installing new pump,lines,etc -- But the way DPP made the Fass/Pump, a monkey could install it!!



Seriously - Imagine me, a goofy salesguy at home on his back mounting this pump, and I started at 8:30am, and was at work by noon - I mean really, If I can install this thing, anyone can



So for those one there with stock LP's, and that want a better mousetrap, Get a pusher pump and be done with it, Heck the biggest decision is which one? -DPP/DD/BD/Scotty --- so many pumps, so little time

 

[bombero]

DK. Iam sorry I was on you about your post. Really what I love about this form is opinions. Anyway the lift pump issue really hit a nerve. I f I ever meet you I'll buy a Beer> JIM

 

[Coolslice]

I wanted to get a spare lift pump just in case, but I was told that you can't just order one now. Now, when a new pump goes on, it MUST go in the tank if a dealership does it.



On a side note, I hang out at the Dealership from time to time (a couple of my buddies work there). I was back talking to the parts guys and the Cummins tech and they had a 2004 back there with 11,000 miles that had had both the CP3 and the lift pump replaced at 9,000 miles. I asked what the problem was, and they said most likely it was from running off-road fuel. I didn't think that would hurt anything, but the teck said it's a fairly common.

Of course, I offer this tidbit as just an instance that I happened to be involved with, I am by no means claiming this to be fact, although it may very well be. Make up your own minds.

 

[Elite1]

I have a spare from the Cummins dealership... part# 4089602



after my first one went out at 50k miles, I feel much better about having a spare in the tool box, just in case I'm out in the middle of bum---k and the pump goes out again.

 

[Fireman]

Casey Balvert works for Windsor-Essex EMS, they have one CTD (2003). It has had 3 lift pumps so far and each time one failed the truck was dead right there. I'll admit that I haven't heard of nearly as many failures as the 2nd Gens, but it does happen. Two things I believe, the stock lift pump is marginal at best and Matt400 is right, the trucks would run OK if the lift pump didn't create such a restriction. The FASS and AirDog pumps seem to be the ticket especally for modified trucks, at least let's hope so.



Fireman

 

[DwayneKelch]

Jim (bombero),



I understand, we all have things that get under our skin. If I bit my tongue (exercised self-control) as often as I should, I wouldn't have a tongue or it'd be so sore I couldn't speak.



I have family and friends in northern California (from Sacramento all the way to Redding), therefore I may be able to take you up on the offer when I'm visiting them. By the way, I like Corona w/a lime!





Dwayne