FASS? Replace or Augment?

[Axion]

Due to a recent scare of a clogged injector and the research that followed, I have decided to install a FASS pump and filter system on my truck. I have a couple of questions about possible installations.



Most of the threads seem to show the installation of the system as a direct replacement for the OEM fuel delivery system. Since my lift pump and filter still seem to be doing their job I was thinking of running the FASS to augment instead of replace the OEM. I would use the standard mounting location on the drivers side rail but the fuel line plumbing got me to thinking.



I would have to drop my fuel tank in order to install the new pickup line for the FASS. That and cutting into the factory tank doesn't excite me. I am thinking of putting the FASS inline after the OEM pump and filter. Instead of coming off the OEM filter and going to the CP-3, I would come off the OEM and then go into the FASS with the FASS feeding the CP-3. My thought is that the install would be somewhat easier by not having to drop and drill the tank and the extra hose running to and from the engine bay shouldn't pose any problems.



Operationally, when the factory pump can't keep up, the FASS boosts any pressure to what it normally provides, that and the FASS pump would not have work to draw its own fuel. The fuel goes through a 7 micron filter then a 3 micron filter before getting to the CP-3. But what happens when the OEM lift pump fails? Will the FASS pump be able to draw fuel through the dead lift pump and OEM filter? I will install a fuel pressure gauge on the FASS and am contemplating a rail pressure gauge as well.



I realize that bringing the word warranty into this will change some opinions as well. I have just had warranty work done that would have put a dent in my pocketbook so I am somewhat reluctant to outright replace the factory fuel delivery system. Even if the replacement system is widely known to be superior. If the FASS is set to augment the OEM system, I am hoping to have less problems should warranty issues arise.



Any thoughts, ideas and/or criticisms are welcomed. I want to get the details all worked out before I start the install. Thanks everyone.

 

[GDTurner]

I'm no expert, but I've heard of a few problems trying to pull fuel through the oem intank pumps. The dealer put one of those on mine and I quickly bought a FASS and a pickup tube kit. I've heard of the horror stories of dropping the tank and cutting a hole, but it really didn't seem that difficult to me. Of course, I used a small fuel pump to drain the main tank first. Once you see the stock pickup assembly, you will see why a new pickup tube is the best way to go. There is too much restriction. I know there is a picture of one of those on the internet somewhere when someone took one out and took it apart. Maybe someone else knows where it is. All I know, is I'm glad I piped it apart from the oem pump. Now, should the FASS ever go out, I can connect back the OEM unit in a very short period of time. Good luck with it though; you'll love the fuel it will deliver--just don't starve it. MO

 

[DieselLady]

I would recommend the Air Dog instead. Better quality and MUCH MUCH better customer service.

 

[hotram03]

I sell and install the FASS setups and the only problem I ever seen was some brushes went bad about 2 1/2 yrs ago on my own truck, other than that I haven't seen a problem, and their customer service was excellant, I would highly recommend the FASS system, everybody has their preferences.

 

[jjack]

If all you want is the advantage of dropping to a 2 micron flltraion check out the 2 micron filter kit from Glacier Diesel. It sounds to me like this is what you are wanting to do and this would be much easier than what you are talking about doing. It puts a 2 micron spin on flter between your factory filter/water seperator and the CP3.

 

[Axion]

The ability to get better filtration is definitely #1 on the list but the other advantages of a FASS system are also important. A reliable lift pump and removal of entrained air are bonuses.



I have seen the Glacier Diesel filters and do like the setup. If superior filtration were the only goal I would buy one of the Glacier Diesel kits. There are also filter kits available from Cummins that allow for 2 micron filtering and have clear housings so you can see when its time to change the filter.



The decision to go with a FASS system has been made, its just a matter of how to install it. There are pros and cons to everything, just wanted to get some opinions in order to make an educated decision.

 

[jjack]

One other thing to consider on the FASS is noise. That pump is loud... I have been in a truck with the 150 pump that you can actually here over the motor while in the cab. You SIG is not filled out so I am not sure what model your truck is but I assume it is post '05 if the pump is in the tank. Do you really want to spend $700 on a fuel pump. It is documented that a dead lift pump will not damage the CP3 and the only down side is that the truck won't start. . TDR issue 56. If the FASS goes out for 1 reason or another then parts may not be as readily available as the intank. Especially if you have the means and know-how to replace the in tank yourself and it sounds like you have both or you wouldn't be trying to figure out how to augment the FASS. If it were me I just think I would lean more towards the filtration and tyring to keep it as simple as possible.

 

[hotram03]

Make sure to install a 1/2" pick-up tube will help cut down on some of the noise out of the FASS not alot but alittle. I like the Vulcan DS1(Draw Straw 1) FASS also sells their own version of the pick-up.

 

[Bodie]

Butchering the stock system would not be a good idea... Using the smaller stock feed line will starv the FASS and it would not be lubricated and cooled as well... I would think DPP would not want to warrenty that either. Just run the FASS to the CP3 and keep the stock sysem in place, that way, in case anything was to happen to the FASS, all you have to do is swap lines at the CP3, install the relay, and your ready to go again.

 

[LowFly]

OK... . where do i start:



Don't run the FASS with the stock pump. You will have a low GPH pump feeding a regulated Return high GPH pump. This means the FASS will out run the in-tank pump when its turned on and cavitate.



Reason:



When the FASS is running, its moving whatever GPH flow its rated for all the time. Some going to the engine, most going to the tank. When demand is increased from the engine, the flow is directed from the tank, to the engine... . but not all of it. This excesive flow keeps pressure steady.



I feel if you ran with the stock pump, you would see big pressure drops and weird pump operation. You might be able to get away with this setup with an HPFP... . but not a FASS.



Its not hard at all installing a Draw Straw or STK-1001 (Should be included in newer style 05+ Dodge Kits). I have done several and the tank drops very quickly. Its not like a 2nd gen Dodge... . they are more of a pain.



If you have a newer style FASS, noise should not be an issue. We have been shipping units with the noise update now for over half a year now.



I would honestly run the system as we have in the instructions. Feel your dealer out... talk to them. Heck... we have Dodge dealers installing our kits in favor for that new in-tank pump setup.



Let me know if i can help any further... ... .

 

[Axion]

Thanks Everyone

Thanks to all for the information and advice.



I have decided to bypass the OEM setup and install the FASS as recommended. Gotta go with what the experts recommend!