3rd gen lift pump -- problem or not?

[gbraden]

I've been reading the TDR articles and the threads on this forum about lift pump failures and the need to at least get a fuel pressure gauge. So, here I am, all set to purchase a fuel pressure gauge(Westech?) and mount from Genos AND a spare replacement lift pump for my '03 from Cummins. Then today I got to re-reading the articles and threads and came to a different conclusion. Maybe it's only the 24 valve trucks prior to 3rd gen that are having the problems. (Well, there are some 3rd gen trucks that have had lift pump problems but not enough to say it is a trend. ) So, now I don't know. Am I missing something?

My '03 HO Cummins is stock and my only change to the fuel delivery system is that I replaced the stock fuel tank with a Titan SuperTanks one (58 gal). I have not done any "power enhancements".

What are your thoughts?

Glenn

 

[steved]

No, the 3rd gens have issues, but instead of killing the IP, you are just dead in the water as the CP3 can't suck fuel past the LP. It doesn't seem to hurt the IP, but there you are stranded... at least with the VP44 you could get home.



The only bad thing is that the 05s and newer and any truck going on for LP replacement is getting an intank pump which has not been proven yet.



Some people opt for an aftermarket system (like FASS... the route I went) or buy a spare pump from Cummins to have... just in case.



steved

 

[nick05]

05's and newer have the LP in the tank. i didn't have any problems with mine. i just had low readings at 2-3 psi. never got to 0 WOT. didn't like that too much so i installed a holley pusher pump. now reading 15-17 psi constant.

 

[GTani]

If the lift pump fails will the Holley pusher pump keep the truck running?If it will it seems the Holley pump would be cheaper than buying a spare factory lift pump.

 

[Warwagon]

Can you tell if the LP is going bad before it dies? Is the any change in sounds or running?

 

[steved]

If the lift pump fails will the Holley pusher pump keep the truck running?If it will it seems the Holley pump would be cheaper than buying a spare factory lift pump.

No, if you are trying to push fuel through the factory LP. The pusher pump can't get fuel past the factory LP any better than the CP3 can suck fuel past it. I believe these LP on the 3rd gens are a gear pump, not a vane like the 2nd gens. I will not speculate about the intank pumps.



And to answer the other question: I have only had one pump that I could "hear" going bad (2nd gen)... it would run intermittenly when priming at startup... other than that the CTD is too loud to tell and that doesn't tell you if it is pututing out enough pressure/volume. The only real way to see LP condidtion is with a guage.



steved

 

[nick05]

yes i think the truck will run with the just the holley pump. i've heard of guys just carrying spare holley's in the truck. the holley is a rotary vane style. i don't know about the 04 & earlier trucks running just the holley but my LP is in the tank so i don't have to worry about the LP blocking fuel if it's bad. you can hear the pump running at idle over the engine but when driving you can't obviously.