2004 Lift Pump Question

[SHermreck]

I'm a newbie here... just sold my 7. 3 PSD and I'm looking at a leftover 2004 HO, 6spd, 325/600, 2wd , 3. 73 single axle 2500 series Ram. I've read some about the lift pumps being a problem with low sulfur fuel..... I guess it's a lubrication problem and wondered what will happen in 2007 when the new fuel goes into affect. Also any advice on the short comings of the truck I'm looking at would be appreciated. I've heard about drive line vibes but I think that is just with the 4x4 and also some concerns on high EGT's. I plan on using my truck as a commuter and also to pull my 20ft race trailer on weekend... . looking for good fuel mileage and reliablity.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You can expect Cummins to design their fuel systems with the future in mind. They are working on their 2007+ engines right now, just as they were working on the 2003, and 2004. 5 engines years in advance. The current lift and high pressure pumps will be compatible with the types of fuels under consideration for the foreseeable future. You will be happy with your new Ram and it will serve you well. The folks going to bigger lift pumps are doing just that, and because they have "enhanced" the fuel curve for 65+ hp or more over stock.

 

[amsoilman]

I'm a newbie here... just sold my 7. 3 PSD and I'm looking at a leftover 2004 HO, 6spd, 325/600, 2wd , 3. 73 single axle 2500 series Ram. I've read some about the lift pumps being a problem with low sulfur fuel..... I guess it's a lubrication problem and wondered what will happen in 2007 when the new fuel goes into affect. Also any advice on the short comings of the truck I'm looking at would be appreciated. I've heard about drive line vibes but I think that is just with the 4x4 and also some concerns on high EGT's. I plan on using my truck as a commuter and also to pull my 20ft race trailer on weekend... . looking for good fuel mileage and reliablity.

Welcome aboard! I'm with Joe on this... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... Cummins does a pretty good job of designing. Others on the TDR website will also chime in and say to install different lift pumps, but that is generally only done if the power is enhaced a good deal.



Welcome,



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[sag2]

If you are going to leave it stock, just drive it and enjoy. Test drive it up to about 80 mph to be sure your satisfied with the way it drives BEFORE you buy.

 

[jimnance]

I'm a newbie here... just sold my 7. 3 PSD and I'm looking at a leftover 2004 HO, 6spd, 325/600, 2wd , 3. 73 single axle 2500 series Ram. I've read some about the lift pumps being a problem with low sulfur fuel..... I guess it's a lubrication problem and wondered what will happen in 2007 when the new fuel goes into affect. Also any advice on the short comings of the truck I'm looking at would be appreciated. I've heard about drive line vibes but I think that is just with the 4x4 and also some concerns on high EGT's. I plan on using my truck as a commuter and also to pull my 20ft race trailer on weekend... . looking for good fuel mileage and reliablity.

I've been reading up on the ultra low sulfur fuel coming our way. I think right now its several hundred PPM allowed. The '07 fuel will only be 15 PPM. The Europeans and in particular the Swedish have been dealing with low sulfur fuels for the past few years. The Swedes were down to 5 or 10 PPM and the lack of lubricity was eating up the actual injection pumps. As they've been the Guinea Pigs we benefit from their mistakes. They have had to alter the refining of the fuel somewhat, and added ingredients that add lubricity without sulfur. In short, the refiners will have to make some adjustments in the fuel lubricity to make up for the loss of the sulfur. Mechanical changes alone won't solve the problem. Not to mention the fact that there is a huge fleet of diesel engines out there that are designed for higher sulfur diesel. It's possible that some of us will end up adding after market additives to our older trucks to keep the pumps together. It is a serious problem, but one which is being worked on.

 

[sarj]

I researched mine for 4 months, and like you, I joined TDR before I bought. Was going to be Ford or Dodge. The truck has exceeded expectations, which were high. Only problem has been the 6 disc changer... it stopped seeing discs, so it got changed. Everything else on the truck has been excellent. Good luck.



sarj