Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel pressure question

[ELaslo]

I just installed a new lift pump (Carter) on my 01 2500 4x4 and relocated it on the frame rail with a kit I got from Ginos. I also put a Autometer pressure gauge in with a universal fuel pressure line I also purchased from Ginos. I removed the schrader valve insert with a tool I got from the kit, filled the liine with fuel and put it all togather with teflon thread tape. I didn't notice any pressure so I loosened the gauge, started the truck to get fuel/air out of the line and tightened it all up again. Still no pressure reading. The guage moves slightly but no reading. Any suggestions? Do I need a electric guage? The truck runs good now but I want to moniter the pressure. Help!

 

[rbattelle]

Can you bench test the gauge, to be sure it's good? Any chance you got some Teflon in the gauge port that's blocking the pressure?

Are you supposed to fill the fuel pressure sending hose with antifreeze?

Ryan

 

[DNewell]

Elaslo, I would strongly recommend making sure you are not running fuel into the cabin of the truck. In the event of a crash, or something else like that, the fuel in the cabin becomes an extremely deadly risk. On mine, I have a mechanical Autometer Ultralite gauge and off the fuel filter, the fuel line goes to an Isolator that is also made by Autometer. Fuel fills one half, and antifreeze is on the other side and goes into the cabin. You do not need an eletrical gauge, but some people tend to like them because they are easier and most likely safer to run.

I would also refer to rbattelle's post, you may have something blocking the system. I would pull everything down and make sure nothing is blocking the path, and then go with that. I would also second checking the gauge. It could be bad. if not, I would say that the LP is shot, even though it's new. It should have a warranty, so take it back and get a new one.

 

[ELaslo]

Thanks. I checked the line and no teflon blocking it. I replaced the guage with a fuel pressure specific guage (0-16psi). Started the engine and made sure the line was full, put the new guage on and I got about 1-3psi. I tried the other guage and got the same. I was running the truck today and it started to hesitate under throddle. I was worried about lack of pressure (as evidenced by the guage) so I brought it home and changed the guages per your suggestions. It looks like my new lift pump is bad. The question now is do I get another and hope it is good for $140, change to a universal holly blue or red (I am not sure of the difference) or spring for the fass. I don't really have the $450 for the fass but i Certainly don't have the money to replace yet another defective Carter. I am talking myself into the Fass but wonder if the Holly would work? I don't have any big mods yet..... Looks like the Fass? By the way, The guage is under the hood as I too don't want fuel in the cab. The guage will eventually be changed to electric or isolated and brought inside the cab where I can watch it more closely under all operating conditions.

 

[rbattelle]

I'm running a Holley blue. I like the pressure (~12 nominal) and flow rate (~120 gph free-flow). I also like the price.

Ryan

 

[aviatorman]

The carter pump shouldn't have checked out that quickly. Is there no warranty (30 days) that you can go back to the vendor with? My 02 HO with 80K on in and original lift pump makes 16lbs before filter and 14lbs after filter with the engine idling and lift pump on the frame rail (Genos Kit).

 

[ELaslo]

This is a follow up post. Aviatorman you were right, the pump was ok. I found a post about cavation and another about the float in the fuel tank deteriorating and clogging up the screen on the pickup tube. I drained the tank (with the pump I thought was bad) and when I got down to about 5-10 gallons, the pump started spitting. The last couple of gallons were real nasty and the pump didn't like it. Dropped the tank, washed it, dried it, cleaned the pickup tube and put it back. I uses the pump I thought was bad and addeded some fresh fuel and bingo! 14-15psi idle and 2-3 psi drop at wot. I'll keep my $75 Bluebird schoolbus pump as a spare (my local Cummins wanted $159 for the same pump). I wonder how many others replaced pumps when there was another issue involved. The TDR membership is well worth the money! I hope many find this post helpful.

 

[DNewell]

This is a follow up post. Aviatorman you were right, the pump was ok. I found a post about cavation and another about the float in the fuel tank deteriorating and clogging up the screen on the pickup tube. I drained the tank (with the pump I thought was bad) and when I got down to about 5-10 gallons, the pump started spitting. The last couple of gallons were real nasty and the pump didn't like it. Dropped the tank, washed it, dried it, cleaned the pickup tube and put it back. I uses the pump I thought was bad and addeded some fresh fuel and bingo! 14-15psi idle and 2-3 psi drop at wot. I'll keep my $75 Bluebird schoolbus pump as a spare (my local Cummins wanted $159 for the same pump). I wonder how many others replaced pumps when there was another issue involved. The TDR membership is well worth the money! I hope many find this post helpful.

I'd have to say that lots of people could learn from this. Keep an eyeball on the VP44. If that was starved of fuel for too long, can have bad consequences. I got a bad Carter, it went TU in about 6 months. I lost my receipt, so couldn't get warranty replacement. Of course, on the next pump, I kept the receipt, and now it's been working fine for the last year... Good job on cleaning out the tank. I'm wondering how many of us on here would have done that and gotten better results.