FASS, AirDog, or carry a spare?

[Bernie]

OK, I just bought a 2003 CTD HO with about 100k miles. I've been reading what I can about the lift pump and the potential problems that come with it, and I'm a little worried about possible failures far from home.



I think I would like to have a little insurance against lift pump failure. I think these are my options and their pros/cons:



-Carry a spare lift pump from Geno's for $180.

Pros: Cheap

Cons: Have to wrench on your back in a snowstorm to replace

Unknown: Will a failed fuel pump cause a common rail pump failure from cavitation? Will I know it is happening?



-FASS for $450 from Geno's

Pros: Lifetime warranty, good for power upgrades (if I ever do them)

Cons: Expensive, probably overkill for my stock drive train

Unknown: How is the install? Does anybody really see a milage increase from the FASS



-AirDog for $530 from DPP

Pros: I assume good for power upgrades, filtration

Cons: Expensive

Unknown: I really don't hear much about this system. Any input from anybody using it. Any problems? Install?



Any other options I should be looking at?

What are you guys using and why?

Any real world millage gains from the AirDog of FASS?

 

[magothy1]

Air Dog

I had my stock pump pulled out and an Air Dog installed at bout 92,000 on my 2003. The truck seems to have a tad more power and gets a tad better mileage. I was about 19. 5 to 20. 0 with just a bit of highway running, have gone to 20. 0 to 21. 0 now and again. I put on new tires at the same time, that probably helped, I went with the same Michelins. The truck does feel stronger pulling a trailer up a bridge. I went with the Air Dog because a local shop recommended it. I don't think you want to swap pumps on the side of the road. I'm sure you'll get plenty more advice on this one.

 

[SMcGrady]

OK, I just bought a 2003 CTD HO with about 100k miles. I've been reading what I can about the lift pump and the potential problems that come with it, and I'm a little worried about possible failures far from home.



I think I would like to have a little insurance against lift pump failure. I think these are my options and their pros/cons:



...



-AirDog for $530 from DPP

Pros: I assume good for power upgrades, filtration

Cons: Expensive

Unknown: I really don't hear much about this system. Any input from anybody using it. Any problems? Install?



What are you guys using and why?

Any real world millage gains from the AirDog of FASS?

I put the AirDog FP100 on mine when my truck threw a couple of codes that hinted at trouble with my VP. I did not have a fuel pressure gauge at the time so I hooked up a pressure gauge and saw that my LP had all but died Pressures 0-4 psi taken before and after the stock filter!

I installed the AirDog system myself (I am a very unskilled wrencher) and it was not too dificult. Since then I have installed gauges and DDP 75 HP injectors. My fuel mileage is pretty good. it seems to have gone up about 2mpg since I got the truck (stock), but I believe that most of those gains are due to the new sticks...



The pump is quiet, I only hear it when I turn the key and wait for the "Wait to start" light to extinquish. I have heard that the FASS setup had issues with noisy operation (they may have sorted that out by now though).



Truck runs great and my latest Dyno shows no evidence of damage to my VP, so I should be good to go for a long time now:-laf



I got my AirDog at Glacier for $499. 00 and it is supposed to have a lifetime gaurantee, I think... Anyway, I am happy, but I have nothing to compare it to except the POS stock LP.



I would not drive a truck with that stupid POS stock LP. If it goes south and you don't realize it... Well, it could have gotten much more expensive than 500 bucks for me...



Good luck!

Scott

 

[Buffalo]

I have the Glacier Diesel GFS-392 (Walbro pump) on my '03. I, also, bought a spare pump on Ebay for a bit over $100. 00. It's ready to go under the backseat if ever needed. Should be easy to install.



Check the other "Pump" thread in this forum for more info.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[LArnold]

i installed an air-dog 150 ,works well w/ no problems. also toby was really helpful on the phone. and as for carrying a spare,hey anything can go at anytime,you cant have a spare everything. ---LA

 

[Bernie]

Check the other "Pump" thread in this forum for more info.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

Which pump thread are you referring to? I searched pump and found too many results, and I don't see anything obvious in the forum. Am I just missing it?

 

[Allnew2Me]

Bernie, I actually did both, installed a FASS and also carry a spare stock lift pump that is installed in parallel and can be put into service in a few moments. Here is the thread I posted.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...002/190424-no-more-lift-pump-troubles-me.html



I switch over now and then to exercise the stock pump and it always works great. This is the best I could come up with to never be left with a dead pump.

 

[Buffalo]

Hi Bernie,



That "other thread" is entitled "Should the lift/fuel pump be in the tank?" & can be found on the second page of this forum as of 5/29/08.



Hope this helps.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Bernie]

Bernie, I actually did both, installed a FASS and also carry a spare stock lift pump that is installed in parallel and can be put into service in a few moments. Here is the thread I posted.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...002/190424-no-more-lift-pump-troubles-me.html



I switch over now and then to exercise the stock pump and it always works great. This is the best I could come up with to never be left with a dead pump.

Wow, that is quite the set up. How did you find time away from your job at the Department of Redundancy Department!



Seriously, beautiful install, engineering, and underside of your truck. I'm jealous!