Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) fuel heater removal question

[mweiman]

I am in the process of removing the fuel heater and replacing the lift pump on a 98 12 valve. I plan to use a 3/8 rubber fuel hose and adapt the lift pump inlet down to a 3/8 nipple. My question is can I remove the heater completely and bolt the pump directly to the block? Or does the spacer need to be there? I like to remove it if it will not be used.
Thanks for any insight.
Matt

 

[KBurgoyne]

The lift pump is bolted directly to the block. The fuel heater screws on above the pre-screen. It can be removed with an allen wrench and then the lower housing screws on to the upper. Heres a link to joe g's fuel system write-up.

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-engine/58777-joe-gs-fuel-system-writeup.html

 

[mweiman]

I was going to completely bypass the preheater and screener bowl assembly if possible.

 

[mwilson]

I was going to completely bypass the preheater and screener bowl assembly if possible.

You will need a spacer. Or you can cut the fuel heater off the bracket just above the pump mounting area and use that as the spacer. That's what I did with mine. If you need the Cummins number for the spacer let me know and I will fetch it for you.

Mike.

 

[Woodenhead]

Foster Truck (Larry Buck) has spacers. Or eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/190995811214
I just made my own from a piece of aluminum.

 

[PToombs]

Don't remove the strainer! You can get rid of the heater, but you need the strainer to protect your lift pump. Small bits of crap can go thru the lift pump and scratch the piston and you will lose fuel pressure. It would really upset you if you had to replace that new LP again in a year or so.
I've already BTDT.

 

[mwilson]

Use an in-line Fleetguard FF5079 for the chunks, that is what Freightliner did right from the factory for B series powered trucks.

Mike.

 

[mweiman]

I ended up cutting the fuel heater off the spacer plate and putting on a new lift pump. Truck is running and seems to idle smoother that it did before. It must have been sucking air somewhere.
Thanks,
Matt