FASS ??'s

[MScheiper]

Didn't want to hijack radar doctor's thread, so started a new one.

Been seriously considering a FASS 95gph pump for my 04. 5 due to the all too common death of the factory LP. Been searching past threads and had a few questions I could not find the answer to:

1. Does the 95 pump have the 1/4 tank of fuel slosh problem or is that more common with the 150 gph pump? If so, best way to cure that?

2. Is it a big issue to not have the fuel heater and water in fuel sensor use available?

3. Are the newer pumps quieter than those from a few years ago?

Any and all feedback greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Matt.

 

[DaveHess]

Matt: I live up North here and was very concerned with the lack of the heater when I install the FASS. I saw some posts from guys in Saskatchewan, Canada. One in particular read something to the effect he had never had a problem his fuel system minus the heater. On the flip side a diesel mechanic on TDR here wrote of seeing lots of problems with the FASS in cold climates. I decided to go with the Canadians on this one. I was going to remove all the OEM hardware after installing the FASS but have since decided not to. I still haven't seen what the other guys do with all the "left-overs". The pump I got from Geno's came with a thick rubber spacer between the mounting bracket and pump itself. In the latest issue of the TDR magazine, I see where one of the writers wrote he had to touch the pump to make sure it was running it was so quiet. I don't know anything about the 1/4 tank deal. Hope this helps. BTW, how do you like your Smarty Jr???

 

[MScheiper]

Dave: Thanks for the response! I am thinking of the one from Genos also, while it is still on sale. Have you had any problems with your FASS as far as picking up the fuel when you are low on diesel?

I love my Smarty Jr! Best investment yet for my 04. 5. Usually run it on SW1 and it totally changes the drivability of the truck! Lots of fun while not being too extreme. Highly recommend

 

[TimothyLong]

I've read the same thing as Dave about not having a fuel heater with the FASS or Air Dog. If you do have a concern about it, I've seen some in-line heaters here and there on the web, but don't know how good they would be. You could also use an anti-gelling additive as well. As for the 1/4 tank issue, it's not so much of a problem with the pump as it is with the draw straw. The high flow FASS pumps require you to remove the factory draw straw from your fuel tank and replace it with a larger one to accommodate the flow rate. The problem comes from not cutting the new draw straw to the correct length. I have read on other TDR threads about the FASS pumps that when you remove the fuel tank and set it on the ground the sides tend to sag a little. This will cause you to cut the draw straw too short even though the measurement you see seems to be correct. When you replace the tank back in the frame it goes back to it's original form and if you'd measure the draw straw again you'd see that it's too short. I've read that the best way around this problem is to remove the bed and leave the tank in the frame when you do the draw straw measurement. I don't know about the noise problem. I don't have one, but plan to get one as soon as the budget allows.

 

[KBlankenship]

If you are really concerned about the slosh problem and getting below 1/4 tank and not getting fuel, then Dynomite Diesel Performance sells a replacement in tank unit minus the pump that will eleviate that problem.

 

[MScheiper]

Thanks for the info. Didn't know that. . will definitely check it out. Thanks!

 

[TimothyLong]

Forgot to mention that the FASS 95's use the factory draw straw, so the 1/4 tank slosh problem shouldn't affect you.

 

[MScheiper]

Thank you Tim! It was funny, I just found a copy of the install manual online and thought the same thing you said. I just ordered the FASS 95. Thanks for the help and input!

 

[SShafranko]

On my friend's truck we installed the Air Dog and ran the feed line to the filter housing. We removed the factory filter from the housing and the heater is still being used. Had it that way for several months without any problems and recently we decided to run the feed straight to the CP3 eliminating the restrictive banjo bolts. You can purchase a filter housing eliminator kit from GDP if you go that route.

The pump in question uses the factory pick-up so you shouldn't have any 1/4 tank problems at all, and the pump is very quiet compared to the old one. My buddy just installed one and i think it is quiter than the stocker.

 

[CToney]

Not having a fuel heater is not a problem as long as you use climatized diesel when it gets cold. Remove the fuel heater relay and put it in the ashtray as a spare. I had summer diesel in my '93 once, had not drove it for awhile, and one day when it was -25 C I made it 3 miles before she quit. Fuel heater didn't help. Water in fuel light won't matter as you will now have a better water separator. I have never drained off any water.

 

[MScheiper]

Thanks for all the info! Will probably go directly to the CP3 and use PS or another additive if it gets really cold. Drive across country every summer and just don't want to be stranded with no lift pump. Thanks again for all the replies!

 

[DE Jeeper]

In the Northeast there doesn'tseem to be a problem with eliminating the fuel heater. With my 150 pump I use the factory pick up and have no loss of fuel. You don't need the draw straw. I get 14psi at idle and fuel throdel. It is kind of a PITA to install, but I recomend the unit with the filters. I put the 2 micron filter it and it protects the fuel system better and is actually quited the pump. It used to sound the pump was surging, but now it sounds smooth. It isn't that loud, I can't hear it in the cab unless the radio is off and I am stopped. You can hear it buzzing away if you are standing next to it, but its no lowder then the engine.



Aaron

 

[MScheiper]

Thanks Jeeper. Actually decided to go with the FASS 95 with filters. Have heard that the newer pumps with the rubber gasket mount were quieter. If it takes the concern of a weak lift pump off my mind, and the fact that I have gotten over 70,000 miles on the original, it's money well spent for peace of mind.

 

[sweeda]

I tried to install mine myself but a extra set of hands was needed to get all the holes marked because that bugger gets heavy after holding up there awhile. I have the 95 with filter and sep. on my long bed 04. 5 and you can not see them hanging down. I went straight to the CP3 removed the stock filter canister. It was Febuary of 05 when we did the install and had a tough time sliding the hose on to the fittings. we found that warming the ends of the hose just before stuffing the fitting in it worked like magic. When cutting the hose use all of it if you have a long bed. without any 90 degree fittings you will need to plan the hose routes. a bit of extra hose is ok but a hose that is to short will brake the fittings off at the pump. Trust me it happens. Fuel on the ground is money down the toilet. Just some tips I have, good luck you'll love not having to worry about that pump again.

 

[MScheiper]

Sweeda, thanks for the tips! I'm sure they will come in handy next weekend when I tackle the install. Good suggestion about the hose and warming it first. Thanks again!

 

[JamesStevens]

MScheiper I hope U like your 95. I have the 150 and after reading all this I wish thats what I would have ordered!. Mine is real loud, does start to cavitate if I hit the brakes hard to stop at a red light with 1/4 or less in the tank. Truck doesn't stall, but pressure drops, and U can hear it. I live in Canada and did leave on the heater.