frequent mention of lift pump failures in newer trucks

[jcarew]

Hi all I am an owner of a 92 truck with 180,000 on it and have never touched the fuel system in any way, except for changing fuel filters occasionally, I just ordered a 2002 cab, chassis H. O. 6 speed that will become a class C M. H. After reading all the problems people are having with the fuel delivery system, replacing pumps, tandem pumps, marine pumps, fuel pressure gages,etc. I wonder about Dodge an especially Cummins allowing such problems to go on unabated. I deliberately stayed away from the more common p-stroke trucks because of the fantastic reliability of my old 12 valve truck . Can anyone tell me what the long term effects of these pump failures an running with low pump pressure will have on the engine. I hate to carry a spare pump for a new truck Thank You Jcarew

 

[Bigsaint]

jcarew, first, let me say WELCOME ABOARD !!! I wouldn't be too concerned with the new truck and fuel pressure, just be aware of the problem that some of us have experienced. The long term affects of low FP may take out the injection pump. Not a real big deal if you are under warranty, except for the lost time and inconvience of being truckless, as DC should warranty the replacement. Alot of us have added fuel pressure gauges in the hopes of avoiding out of pocket replacement of a $1300. 00 injection pump, as our warranties are void due to addition of high HP injectors, fueling boxes, etc. If you plan on remaining stock, the addition of the FP gauge will help to keep you from becoming disabled on the road. The lift pumps usually give hints of a problem before they die, i. e. , you will see very erratic fuel pressure and or lower psi's then what you have established as a baseline with the gauge. Without a gauge you are guessing. Carter has updated the pump many times since it's inception, maybe they got it right with the latest revision. Enjoy your new truck, first and foremost !!!! If you add gauges, and I'm guessing that you will, try to fit a fuel pressure gauge into your array. The mechanical gauges are not expensive and interesting to watch in action.



Scott W.

 

[RustyJC]

Jcarew,



My 2002 ETH/DEE holds 16+ psig at idle (my gauges only go up to 16 psig, and they are pegged) and 12 psig at WOT pulling our 5ver. Before adding the EZ, it would hold 13-14 psig at WOT. These pressures appear to be significantly higher than pre-2002 Cummins, so I must assume that Cummins is trying another variant of the lift pump on the 2002 models.



To date, I haven't seen any deterioration in fuel pressure, but I only have 4,850 miles on the truck. Ultimately, time and mileage will tell if Cummins/Carter finally have it right.



By the way, that 2002 ought to make a very interesting Class C. Who's doing the conversion? Be sure and post pictures when you get it finished!



Rusty

 

[jcarew]

Hi Rusty Thanks for the info. on the pump story My Class C is an xplorer xcursion 25ft built in Brown City, Mich. fiberglass shell aluminum frame about 9000# 4:10 gear jcarew