Bad lift pump? (changed fuel filter, won't start)

[Michael Hughes]

HELP!!



I changed my fuel filter for the 3rd time. The first two times, started, stalled and had to crake if a few seconds to get it to restart. This time it didn't start. I cycled the lift pump four times before trying to start. There is no fuel in the filter container.



It sounds like a bad lift pump to me. The thing that gets me, is I have been getting 21+ MPG and have good power. From what I have read on this board has lead me to beleave that good power and MPG = go lift pump.



Does anyone have any thoughts? If it is a bad lift pump, does anyone know the latest part number and where in the St Louis area I can get one?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I know but ...

Double check you are BUMPING THE STARTER to prime the pump (Should run for 15-25 secconds) NOT just turn key on then off.



Just makin sure

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[Michael Hughes]

Yes, I bumped the starter.

 

[mbrolin]

Also depress the schrader valve at the back of the filter unit to get the air purged. May also have to purge the valve at the injector pump.

 

[Michael Hughes]

no schrader on the 99's. I would think that if I open one of the blead ports on the top of the fuel filter container, the pump should be able to fill it.

 

[Todd T]

Michael, take the filter top off and cycle the pump, to see if it is pumping. it should fill the filter canister in about 20 seconds. if it is not then you have lost the lift pump.



the latest part number I am aware of is 5015723-AC if all they have is the AB then call Gateway Cummins they are on Hall Street in St Louis.



is it a warranty item or are you out of warranty. if your out, then get the one from Cummins.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

bad lift pump...

Just went through this process in the last couple days. You will have to try and get the air out. Bump the starter and hold your finger over one of the plug holes to see if the pump is actually working (you will feel air push out). If not, then you are in deep doo-doo. I do not think that the VP44 will suck hard enough from cranking to prime. You might be able to pour some fuel in the inlet pressure plug and fill the filter that way. I hate to just pour fuel in as you might get some dirt on the clean side of the filter.



Do you have a hand vacuum pump? I had to use one (I am a mechanic) to prime the system so I could get the truck to move. I also had wired an automotive 5 psi pump six inches from the tank to get me around and to help form overheating the VP44 until my new pump came in.



The dealer told me it would take about three days to get a pump. He said if they are ordered from D-C, STAR has to have a mechanic verify it is bad. I just showed up at the dealership with my fuel pressure guage attached and the mechanic did not fuss over it. My dealer just got one sent in from another dealer. It was five days from the time I was broke down to the time I could get it fixed.



Make sure you get a harness with the new pump, as the wiring leads have changed.



My new pump makes 15 psi, and the truck is much happier pulling uphill. A good lift pump should only run for a third to half of a second when the key is initially turned on. My old one used to buzz for a little longer than a second before I started the engine.



Sorry for the long post, but the more help the better.

 

[Michael Hughes]

Todd,

Can't take the top off on a 99, but I can tell you that it isn't pumping anything at all. I talked to Lucas-Smith in Festus and I was told it will take as least 5 days if not longer. The strike in St Louis has swamped him. I called Gateway Cummins and they won't have one in till tomorrow. I would like to have it done under warranty, but I can go that long with out my truck.



Lucas-Smith told me that they have to do all the test that Dodge has for the lift pump and then call the Star service(?) to order the pump. So the dealer can't stock the part. DC must have the heads up thier ------, what a way to run a car company.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

warranty...

If you have the California emissions, then it is warrantied until 7yr/70k miles. If you are Federal emissions, then you have 5/50 coverage. If you have neither, like mine, you are SOL after the 3/36 Dodge warranty, unless you have an extended warranty package (like me).



If you are in doubt as to what you have, look in the warranty booklet with the owners manual, and it will tell you how to tell by looking at the VIN#.



Good luck.

 

[Michael Hughes]

FYI:

The dealer in Festus told me that the lift pump is under the 100,000 mile warranty.



I found a pump and pig-tail at Cummins in Sikeston.



Thanks for everyone's help!!

 

[MidwestMotorman]

lucky you...

The dealer must like you, because the lift pump is NOT under the 100k warranty. Just the engine, lubed components, injector pump, and injector lines. If you bought the D-C extended warranty, then everything is covered until the 100k mark.



It seems there is a lot of confusion on the lift pump warranty, and every dealer seems to have a different stand.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

STAR influence...

Before a mechanic puts these lift pumps on, he has to call STAR and input VIN#, mileage, other things, and talk to a representative.



The dealer may say "its covered" but the mighty STAR will say "NO" to the warranty. Be warned... it may cost you once the truck is at the dealer.



If you have a GVW rating over 10ooo lbs (M in the fourth digit of VIN#), you have the 5 yr/50k mile warranty at a minimum.

 

[Michael Hughes]

Found a lift pump at Cummins Gateway at thier Sikeston branch.



lift pump #3990105 $139. 08

wire adapter #4025182 $7. 13



Thanks for every ones input!!

 

[David_VT]

for a 'maybe' fix when you change your filter, read this thread, third post