Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) All you FASS truckers

[DJudson]

I'm contemplating installing the FASS in my '02. I'm on my third LP and it's showing early signs of craping out.



I'm wondering if the FASS lives up to the claimed performance/economy gains.



How has the reliability been?



Would appreciate both positive and negative responses.



Thanks!!

 

[dbohn]

I've had the FASS system on my 95 3500 with no troubles at all. A slightly noisy pump, but the fuel pressure has been spot on at 20 pounds since I installed it 10,000 miles ago. The stock LP couldn't keep up at 75 psi boost, so my decision was based on performance. It is an excellent system in my opinion.

 

[DirtyDodge]

Noticed no milage increase/decrease. At WOT, I cannot drop it below 15psi, I have stock injectors though. The price of three lift pumps is pretty close to a FASS unit.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

I would go with an Airdog... well, actually I DID go with an Airdog... 120,000 miles ago. Absolutely zero issues in that time. I know from the threads here that several guys have had issues with the FASS. PM me for a price on Airdog.



Trent

 

[Warpig]

I've had a FASS for over 3 years. Mine is an older model and the only problem I have had is that the brushes stuck one morning. The new pump motor is improved and has internal brushes and new wire harness. I have heard many complain about the Airdog filters being proprietary. You can buy replacement (cross ref. )FASS filters at napa ect... . Other people like the mechanical pumps now being offered. I have zero complaints about the FASS, always 19 psi even during WOT.

 

[DixonL]

I've had my FASS for a little over a 6 weeks and have nothing but a good experience so far. I did notice about 1 mpg improvement of the stock lift pump. I was avg 18. 5 mpg gallon and now I am in the 19. 5 range. Of coarse I didn't buy it for the fuel economy reason. I bought it because of how many folks were complaining that the lift pump is a never ending money pit and I just assume pay up front... and not have to deal with the constant worrying and hassle. I just took a trip to Gettysburg with my goosneck loaded and never seen the fuel pressure needle move even going through the mountains.



Thad (Ohio)

 

[PRout]

If you go with the FASS, I recommend also adding the Vulcan 1/2" line kit, and installing a new 1/2" pickup tube in the tank to replace the restrictive junk that is killing lift pumps to begin with. With a new pickup tube, FASS pump, and free flowing 1/2" lines, you can set your pressure down at 13. 5 psi, and never be able to pull it below 12. Easy on the VP44 injector pump, and easy on the FASS. Anything short of that, and its not done right yet.

 

[Huff N Puff]

If you go with the FASS, I recommend also adding the Vulcan 1/2" line kit, and installing a new 1/2" pickup tube in the tank to replace the restrictive junk that is killing lift pumps to begin with. With a new pickup tube, FASS pump, and free flowing 1/2" lines, you can set your pressure down at 13. 5 psi, and never be able to pull it below 12. Easy on the VP44 injector pump, and easy on the FASS. Anything short of that, and its not done right yet.

SHortshift,is right,you cannot improve the fuel delivery system on your truck by just putting a pump on the system. Opening up the lines all the way to the bottom of the tank,is a must for making your truck dependable.

 

[LAMiller]

Had mine for over a year and about 44K miles and have 0 problems and could tell a dif on top end performance also have one on my dad's truck with 0 problems

 

[steved]

OK guys... Are we talking two different setups... the FASS (which has the filters) and the FASS II (pump only, no filters)... ???



The FASS 95/150 (kit) comes with 3/8" ID line from the tank to the injection pump (the FASS 150 kit is 1/2" ID line) since it bypasses the stock fuel system mostly... the only restriction is in the pickup module in the tank... which, I can't remember if the Vulcan Big Line kit addresses or not (someone has a kit, just CRS right now)... but there is no need to replace the rest of the lines... and as far as that's concerned... with my 95/150, I have seen no actual "restriction" problems from the intank module on a stock truck... the stock pickup seems to work alright...



With that said, I have over 17k on my FASS with only a faulty pressure spring issue... now that it has been addressed, I hold 15psi. I have drained nasty looking stuff out of the prefilter that the OEM pump would have choked on and also like the idea of running 3 micron filters. I saw an increase in fuel mileage (about 1 mpg) and more top end (not more power, just pulls hard clear to redline now)...



Overall, I'm very happy with the FASS... fairly easy to install... peace of mind knowing that the IP is protected with good filtration (I drive crosscountry and fuel at many different places)... good pressure to the IP... the mileage gain was just a bonus...



So far I'm at about 15k on the first HF6604 filter with no signs of plugging... it came with a HF6607 and I removed it early thinking I had a plugged filter which turned out to be a weak spring...



steved

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

The filters on the Airdog are not proprietary... they are made by Fleetguard. I have the filter numbers available and they are quite inexpensive. I use the 2 micron filter on my truck.



To underscore the problems that FASS has had there are threads on this board that highlight those issues. I have never seen an Airdog issue thread. Not making light of FASS or those who have had issues with it, just pointing out what seems obvious to me.



Trent

 

[steved]

The filters on the Airdog are not proprietary... they are made by Fleetguard. I have the filter numbers available and they are quite inexpensive. I use the 2 micron filter on my truck.



To underscore the problems that FASS has had there are threads on this board that highlight those issues. I have never seen an Airdog issue thread. Not making light of FASS or those who have had issues with it, just pointing out what seems obvious to me.



Trent

And not to sound like a jerk, but your only the second person I have known running the Airdog... kinda hard to have "mass" problems if there are not as many units out there...



The FASS did have issues until recently... I believe they have gotten their issues with the brushes ironed out with the new motor design... I think they have a solid unit now.



All the threads with the FASS problems are results from the older units... I have heard of very little problems with the FASS since they changed the motor design (no one from my group buy has had any issues)... I have one of the first with the new motor design (came out in October 05, right before I bought mine)... so far, so good.



Just to point out that those older FASS threads are not "current" on the topic, they really don't represent the product now.



steved

 

[rowilson]

I run an AirDog and have had no problems either.

 

[GMcLeod]

I've had my FASS system for two years now (40,000+ miles) without any problems. Never noticed any change in fuel mileage... etc... etc. Great unit; I like the mount location, easy to service.

Forget the fancy other systems, you'll be happy with the FASS!!!

 

[LowFly]

I’m not only a member, im also a client! Anywho, just to back up the comments here, I have personally had my system since early 2004. Mine ran flawlessly up to when i updated the motor just because i could.



These new motors have been great. We have had zero brush failures to date. Only a small few with bad bearings... . and even then, they were still pumping like crazy! Just lil noisy! You cant kill these things! :-laf



The Full FASS Replaces from the tank to the injection pump/HPRP with 3/8's lines. (05-06 trucks it gives you a 1/2" suction tube kit due to the in-tank pump. ) 1/2" is not needed for any Cummins. BUT you can run it if you so choose to. We have the option for all kits to use the 1/2" suction tube kit.



The HPFP (OR FASS II) replaces lines from the tank to the stock filter head. (05-06 trucks use a suction tube kit for reasons above) Any kit can use the Suction Tube Kit and we also offer a line kit to replace the banjo's between the filter head and IP/HPRP. (98. 5-2006: BBRK-1001 )



ALSO... you guys need to call you dealer and request 3 micron replacement filters. I got a bunch that just hit my door.

 

[CCahill]

With all this being said... Who are you buying the FASS setups from ?

 

[steved]

With all this being said... Who are you buying the FASS setups from ?

I bought mine from Long Island Performance Diesel and Fuel... they treated us good...



steved

 

[LowFly]

Check with the sponsors on TDR or look for one here... ...

 

[RAndrae]

fuel preporator 40,000 mi no probs

 

[DWeiler]

Airdog

I had 2 of the earlier Fass system,one was way to noise---mounted at the back of the truck and you could still hear it over the engine running inside the cab,i changed to a spare one i had and did the same thing after towing with it 400+ miles and pressure fluctuations +/- 8 to 10 PSI. I became fed-up and switched to an Airdog,mounted right behind the cab,can't hear a thing,constant pressue of 17PSI. I probabley would still be using Fass if the "EARLIER" units didn't become noise,Both are better than the stock design,just had an opportunity to go with an Airdog for a great price from Charles(old owner)and the company took back the old Fasses for little loss. So far this is working for me,my 2 cents ,Later DW