Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel Pressure as low as 6 psi???? HELP

[DHarden]

I just got back from my honeymoon to Nashville from Columbus, OH. The last month or so I have been noticing low fuel pressure readings (check mods below). It will idle @ 9-11 psi so on the way down and back I made sure to watch the guages. Cruising on 71 @ 75-80 mph I was getting 7 or 8 psi and then it would sink to 6 when throttled hard. I was running my comp box at 1 or 2 most of the trip. When driving in town I get anywhere from 8-10 psi.



It is about time for me to change my fuel filter but I don't expect any miracles, so... .



Is it time to replace my lift pump??



Where should I get on that has a good price?



Thanks for your help.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Either replace it, or have a spare handy - just GOTTA get more guys to install pusher pumps or one of the alternatives in kit systems...

 

[MPBerk]

Originally posted by DHarden



Is it time to replace my lift pump??



Where should I get on that has a good price?

If the filter change does not provide the desired results... YEP



NEW LP 125 + s/h

 

[d.miner]

Don't throw in the towel yet...



Change your fuel filter and then pull the electrical conection to the lift pump (you'll have to do this anyway if your going to change the pump), clean it off as best you can and then re-connect it using some dielectric grease.



I had problems with mine about 6 months ago and read a lot of threads at that time making this suggestion (right Gary?), anyway, it's worked for me. No more erratic readings, very steady 15psi at idle, 11 - 12psi cruising down the road.



Good luck !



Dan

 

[d.miner]

ps: Make sure you're using the right filter... . Fleetgard, not Baldwin, etc.

 

[DDT]

I replaced my LP a year ago. Friday night on the way to Illl. to get a used dump trailer, my gauge reading were very low. 6 to 9 lbs @ 70 MPH. Cross a bridge (the speed bump) it would drop to 0 and then back up slowly until the next bump in the road. I found a Cummins shop open 24 hours and they had one on hand, but no time to install it. Service mannager said park it in front of the door and hear is a tool box. What eles do you need. I switched them out and I did check wire connections first. The new pump has good presure. I paid for my parts and asked them how much for the use of the shop and tools. NO CHARGE





OK Gary I am listening now. A year old pump should last longer.

I know there are several ways to add pushers, but which is the cheapest for the money?

 

[JBarr]

Hey, DDT - first time posting and looking around at this. I'm lost - but learning! I need to know the same thing about adding pusher pumps inexpensively. I've heard and read some about the FASS system but it costs $600 (+/-). Any other alternatives to that?

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Here's how did mine - https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19767 - total cost of $150 buying the whole kit from Enterprise or you could do it cheaper sourcing the parts yourself. I bought my truck used as well with 24,000 miles on it in 99. It had a bad lift pump on it when I bought it and I didn't know about it (this was before we knew about the lift pump problems). I put 4 lift pumps on my truck between 28,000 and 60,000 miles and that's when I added the pusher pump along with a new oem pump. I now have 150,000 miles on my truck and I haven't replaced another - they are still working as good as the day I installed them.

 

[Ryan]

Here is another option. The TDR Classified expired, I guesss I need to renew it.



Holley Blue Fuel Kit

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

As to how I did mine, I bought a Carter 4600 7-9 PSI pump from Jegs for about $70 - a 20 amp control relay from Rqdio Shack for about $5, a Fram fuel filter used ahead of the added pusher for about $7.



A later mod providing a bypass feature and also slight bleed off extra unwanted system fuel pressure - mine ran about 26 PSI at idle - added another $10 or so. Then there were various hose clamps wiring and hose to connect stuff - but the whole works was WELL under $100. Easy enough for those used to working on this stuff, and lots of spare parts lying around, otherwise, one of the low price kits does just fine - my system has been on for nearly 2 1/2 years and over 27,000 miles without a hitch. Here's a shot of mine installed - pretty typical for pusher setup:



#ad




Click on the reader's rigs pointer over there under my sig, and go to the pusher pump gallerey for more info if you wisk...

<--------------

 

[John - K5AWO]

Gary,



Why the rheostat on the pusher pump? Is this called "dial in the pressure" method?

 

[RabidRam]

Originally posted by DHarden

I just got back from my honeymoon...

Your truck is just pi$$ed off because you've found somebody else...



Dave

 

[Hohn]

Originally posted by DHarden

I just got back from my honeymoon to Nashville from Columbus, OH. The last month or so I have been noticing low fuel pressure readings (check mods below). It will idle @ 9-11 psi so on the way down and back I made sure to watch the guages. Cruising on 71 @ 75-80 mph I was getting 7 or 8 psi and then it would sink to 6 when throttled hard. I was running my comp box at 1 or 2 most of the trip. When driving in town I get anywhere from 8-10 psi.



It is about time for me to change my fuel filter but I don't expect any miracles, so... .



Is it time to replace my lift pump??



Where should I get on that has a good price?



Thanks for your help.

Your LP might be getting weak, but I wouldn't worry about your VP44. Just keep on eye on the LP. You should be fine if you have at least a couple psi at WOT.



jlh