Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Caught in the Middle

[bnlsox57]

My lift pump failed and I was naive enough to pay the Dodge dealer to replace it with the in-tank replacement kit. One week later the injector pump failed. I had that replaced by a reputable deisel repair shop. Since that time I have battled a lack of power while towing a 7600lb trailer up long grades with my '02 2500 diesel. I checked the turbo for free wheeling and end play, and it seems fine. I took the truck back to the dealer where they ran the volume test and stated they don't do pressure tests. They said the volume exceeded factory requirements. I took it back to the shop that changed my I. P. and they checked it out and said the injector pump was working properly. I have been battling this for months. The fuel pressure at idle is 9+lbs. , and normal running it ranges from 6-8 if above idle. Under heavy load, it gets down to around 4. 5psi. The problem is that while towing up a long steep grade, (6%), it will lose power drastically. For the first 1/4 mile or so, it is fine, and then the power starts to fade quickly. The Dodge dealer says it is the I. P. and the diesel shop says it's the lift pump. I like the truck, and it was great when new, but since the pump changes, it is a slug. Where do I go from here?

 

[MKinner]

Have you tried pulling the codes, Key on, Key off 3 times?

 

[bnlsox57]

I did it just now, and all it gave me were: P PCU, P done, P ECU, and P done

 

[MKinner]

do you have any mods done to the truck? do you notice excessive smoke when the power loss occurs?

 

[bnlsox57]

I have done NO mods to the vehicle, and we bought it new. I was so intent on watching the gauges, I did not look at the mirrors to see if she was smokin'.

 

[icman95]

With all that fuel system work is it possible that there was air air leak created in the fuel system? A small, unnoticeable air leak in a diesel system can wreak havoc. Had it happen to my Freightliner with a Cummins in it. Took quite a while for two different repair shops to find, but finally replaced all the fuel lines and worked great. Even happened to my 01 CTD when just 3 weeks old. The o-ring on the fuel filter housing was bad. It let air in and the thing wouldn't start for 1/2 a day. Finally got it started and drove straight to the dealer who found the problem. Point is maybe both shops are looking at the pumps, but that is the wrong thing to look at. Maybe they should be tracing a small air leak in one of the lines or connections they dealt with.

 

[bnlsox57]

Ken,

Are the lift pumps in the engine compartment on both of your rigs? I ask because my pickup pump is in the tank now, which makes all of my fuel lines 'pressure lines'. I realize that it is harder to seal a line from a vacuum leak than from a pressure leak. However, where my lines are all under pressure, I would think it unlikely that the lines were pulling air in with a higher pressure on the inside from the pump.

 

[icman95]

Something I never thought of. You have a point. Actually, my lp is now an aftermarket FASS pump mounted under the front corner of the bed, so it is a pusher, like your in tank pump.

 

[strehl]

When I plugged my fuel filter my truck would randomly lose power. I felt it when I was trying to baby it home. fp gauge said 3psi doing 55-60mph I could feel it "let up" randomly.

 

[snoman102]

We have been seeing more and more problemes like this. what we have to end up doing is putting the stock cummins lift pump back on in line with the dodge. That usually takes care of it.

 

[bnlsox57]

Thanks Snoman102, I picked a local diesel head and he told me adding the B&D Aux Lift pump and it would probably fix the issue. It ticks me off that Dodge won't confess that their fix is the problem. Your response gives me the confidence to try the added pump.

 

[aircop]

I'am running the BD auxzillary pump in line with the intank pump. Been running it that why for 2yrs no problems. 20psi at idle drops to 12 psi at wot since the new ddp stixs.

 

[MBowser]

Try Checking

I just had my IP replaced, and was having some what of the same problem. So I opted to change the filter and found out when the dealership put things back that they didn't tighten down the feed line from the fuel filter to the IP. I replaced the filter tightened up the banjo fitting and I am back to between 10 - 15psi and no leaks or problems now



Check all the connections to see if you are loosing pressure some where...