Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) first lift pump shot

[Red Rocket]

My truck now has 27,000 on it, and my pump is putting out 3 to 4 psi at idle, and sounds horrible. Scheduled an appointment to wait while it is replaced, and I wait a half hour to find out they don't have the part, (40 min drive to this dealer) meanwhile an assistant manager gets smartalicky and tells me that i need a good reason or they won't replace it. (repeat 3psi and noisy). Now we have come to the conclusion the part is on backorder!!!! I say Cummins North Central has one, but they can't use it because it isn't a dodge part.



Final decision: Drive it and wait for the call... . backordered!



Talk about ******, close to being my own warranty.



What should I do about this?

 

[Bigsaint]

IMHO, get the lastest and greatest from Cummins and do it yourself. I can't answer what that would do to your warranty, seems some dealers are always looking for a reason to void it. I think you would have alot going for your side if it ever became an issue though, it' the same pump.





Scott W.

 

[Pit Bull]

I would call the Dodge hot line and complain. Have them give you a loaner while you wait. Don't worry I don't think it is hurting anything as long as you don't tow heavy or do a lot of WOT driving.

 

[dewdo]

I can't imagine a dealer not having a lift pump in stock. With the Dodge trucks it's about like not having oil filters in stock.



As for the 3 psi pressure, mine had 9 psi and the stealership insisted on replacing it because DC says the minimum is 10 psi.



Call DC Customer Reltations and see what they have to say.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Archive]

Venting, venting, venting....

I would have purchased a 2002 HO six speed instead of my new gas burner if someone from Cummins would at least have the consideration and the decency to post here regarding this never ending lift pump debacle. (They were lightning fast jumping in here amongst us when we were planning to "share" some software. ) IMO this is a classic corporate scr^w you attitude about our lift pumps. Is there an offical post here somewhere - anywhere that I'm unaware of? Wouldn't it be wonderful if a spokesman posted something here for the TDR membership along the lines of:

"Gentlemen we apologize for the problems that far too many of you have experienced with our electric lift pumps. You can rest assured that our engineering staff is vigorously working toward a more permanent solution. "

Am I being unreasonable to at least ask for an official acknowledgement of the problem here for their loyal customers on the TDR website? If that's already been done here then I flat missed it and will humbly apologize to Daimler/Chrysler/Cummins for my oversight. I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for the multitude of TDR members here that have Bombed your unreliable stock fuel systems - out of your own pocketbooks I might add. (I bombed mine too. ) IMO it's a disgrace to pay $5000 for an optional engine package, and then have to spend another $300 just to make it reliable. I personally could not belittle myself into purchasing a $35,000 truck that I already knew would need a spare lift pump stuffed up under the back seat just to provide some peace of mind. I've needed to say what I've just said for a long time. This never ending lift pump situation is negatively impacting Cummins' reputation a lot more than what the 3 piece suits in Columbus realize.



(Okay, I'll go away now. )



maybe.

 

[dewdo]

Maybe there are some attorney's out there in diesel land that would like to get rich and start a class action suit against DC over the lift pumps. I would sign on.



Maybe DC would start listening to it's customers and doing something about their engineering screw-ups if they knew they were making a bunch of lawyers rich.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Shovelhead]

Originally posted by dewdo

As for the 3 psi pressure, mine had 9 psi and the stealership insisted on replacing it because DC says the minimum is 10 psi.



Dewdo in the other Washington

Isn't it amazing how, when YOU have to pay for the replacement, 10psi is the MINIMUM pressure allowed by DC, but when you're trying for a warranty replacement they'll tell you that 2-3psi is OK.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Dewdo wrote: "I can't imagine a dealer not having a lift pump in stock. With the Dodge trucks it's about like not having oil filters in stock. "



The DC dealer i went to the mechanic had never seen a diesel Ram. They are not as common as the gassers, especially in areas where pickups are not popualr.

 

[dewdo]

I don't guess they are very popular in the New York area. Especially if you are in NYC.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[24V-DSL]

I decided a long time ago to not let a $200 part/labor lift-pump (purchased at Cummins NW and would be installed by my personal mechanic or me on a ballsy day) affect the enjoyment of my truck. I sure as hell wouldn't sell my truck over this issue. So, the spare rides around with me and I watch my FP gauge. I'm content. My warranty value to me is kinda like insurance... . I purchase to cover the loss I CAN'T or don't want to pay out of my pocket. Dealing with some of these "mouth-breathers" at the dealer is just not worth the grief, for me, in this price range. BTW, this slam doesn't apply to my dealer who has willingly tested my pump correctly, at no charge, and has told me if it goes out they will take care of me. Even with that, I bought a spare pump.

 

[JR2]

I carry a spare under the back seat too... .



If I remember correctly its NOT Cummins that wants to put the lift pump where it is. Dodge Specs the engines and Cummins just sells them. I also remember reading that Carter (the maker of the lift pump) does not like where the pump is mounted. I would guess that they love replacing them but hate the thrashing their name takes because of this.



John

 

[24V-DSL]

JR2....

Quit wasting your time hanging out here and get those hoses on!!