Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cannot bleed fuel system

[Kellydown]

Here's irony for you



100k, I am adding gauges before any other mods. After reading many threads about LP failure, I decided a fuel gauge was a must. I got a tapped banjo and DiPricol mechanical from Genos. After replacing the banjo and plumbing everything, the system will not bleed. I have spent hours with the banjo cracked open, (taking the gauge out of the equation) and I cannot get any fuel. I can hear the LP running, but no fuel. I changed out the fuel filter just in case, but still no fuel. Has my LP already failed? Any help, I'm stranded until this thing is drivable again.



Thanks

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I assume you are bumping the starter? If so and you aren't getting any fuel then yes your lp has already failed.

 

[BSeitz]

Using a 19mm or a 3/4 open end wrench, loosing #3,4,5 injector lines at the engine and then bump the starter to see if you have fuel being delivered to your engine. If you do, let the air bleed out until its pretty much straight fuel, then tighten the line and try to start your engine. You might have to bump the starter several times before you see any fuel assuming your lift pump is still pumping.

 

[Kellydown]

Yes, I am just bumping the starter then letting the LP run, no fuel to the inlet banjo fitting after at least 20 tries

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

BSeitz - you won't get fuel at the injector lines just by bumping the starter. You won't get fuel there until you are cranking the engine. Bumping the starter will run the lift pump getting fuel to the injection pump but not past it - the injection pump needs to be running for that to happen.



Kellydown - sounds like your lift pump is failed to me. Check the electrical connection for the pump first - unplug it, clean it up, and then plug it back in.

 

[Tcolesanti]

I would say your lift pump gave up the ghost. If the line is cracked on the inlet to the VP-44 and you don't have any fuel, with the lift pump running for a solid 25 seconds, there is definatly a problem with the lift pump or power supply to it.

 

[Kellydown]

Checked connection, pump runs but no fuel, time for last rights. I hate to replace it with OEM, any ideas on an upgrade, FASS? etc?

 

[Tcolesanti]

I have the Fass and love it. Go with it and never look back. I feel so much more confident driving my truck long distances now because I'm not stonewalling my fuel pressure gauge.

 

[Tcolesanti]

Oh, I did'nt think about the whole warranty thing, RustyJC is right about voiding it with an aftermarket fuel system.

 

[RustyJC]

I deleted my post because I missed the fact that his first post stated that he had 100K miles, so I'm assuming warranty isn't an issue.



Rusty

 

[Kellydown]

NOPE-no warranty issues, I just want to fix things right the first time. Looks like I need to order a FASS, any rumors on a good price?

 

[Tcolesanti]

RustyJC, I missed that as well.

 

[rweis]

If you are going to replace the lp with a high end system did you look at the RASP and if so and did not think it meet the requirement I would be interested in the reasons.



I have zero affiliation with anyone, just think the RASP might finally be a permanent fix, but want to see how it performs and what people think of it for a couple of years.



The initial raves were understanderably estactic. Now that the newness is wearing off, what do people REALLY think of the RASP system?



Bob Weis

 

[Horsepuller]

Question: Why does everyone prefer the FASS over the AirDog when they are essentially the same. IMO, the AirDog looks like it is built better. At least the literature is more professional and descriptive.

I am deciding between the two and have no preferences. And what is a RASP system?



Thanks

 

[BRUTUS]

pumps

The FASS system is somewhat less expensive, a bit bigger and has a feature change that is said to make it work a little differently. The AirDog is the complete original set up, somewhat smaller and more refined and is said to last as long as the trusty Cummins.

I chose the AirDog and installed it last week. It works fine and the peace of mind is worth the expense and a little effort to install it. The cost of a new fuel pump due to lift pump failure is no longer an issue. A steady 15 psi of fuel pressure at WOT is comforting.

Time will tell if it will last as long as the engine...

Now I'm stuck with a new OEM lift pump that Iv'e been carrying around for a spare. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Wiredawg]

I recommend the FASS

I recommend the FASS. Good instructions, heavy duty construction, better fuel mileage (about 1. 2 mpg over 3K miles), quieter injection pump, 16 psi at idle and 15 psi wot.



I have one installed on my 02 and have another one to install on my 03.



Wiredawg

 

[djacy99]

The pump may still sound like it is running, but the built in regulator has a check ball that falls thur the seat. Unhook the line to the filter and see if fuel is coming out under pressure. Temp fix jb Quick weld the regulator circuit shut.

 

[rweis]

I did a permanent fix to the check valve. Put a Mallory 4307M bypass regulator after the lp and bypass it back to the tank. Set the Mallory to 12 psi and the check valve in the lp will never open again and hence never fail. The check valve opens at 14 psi, errrr use to open at 14 psi.



And if by some twist of fate you want to change your lp for what ever reason and want to use a 20 psi pump but think that is too much for the VP, then you can set the regulator to what ever psi you want the fuel system to see. The bypass regulator will send everything over what ever you set it to back to the tank.



Add a big fuel filter somewhere before the lp and the bypass regulator after it and you are constantly filtering the tank of particulates and water. The longer you drive on that tank the more it is recirculated and filtered.



Anyway, I think you can drastically reduce the lp check valve failures by not letting the dam. thing function in the first place.



Bob Weis

 

[keimmmo]

If I read your first post correctly, you have had just about the whole fuel system apart doing the upgrade. The lift pump MIGHT not be dead. I had a pump once that refused to take a prime after having things apart. I shot some motor oil in the inlet side and it took off and worked fine. I have been running that pump for over a year and it has carried acceptable pressure.



Steve

 

[Kellydown]

keimmmo,



The only connection I broke was the banjo fitting with the test port on the inlet of the injection pump, after several tries to bleed, I then changed the filter.



I have already ordered a FASS to replace, but I will look again in the morning and try your fix, I'll also look at the check valve djacy99 mentioned as I have no ride until this problem is gone.



Thanks for the help, I only hope the inj pump has not been damaged.