Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel Pump Question

[scotty-u]

Is it possible for a fuel lift pump (year 2000) to run as it should and not pump anything? Just returned from a short trip, now the truck won't start. Put 7 gallons of fuel in it just in case it was out, bled as Service manual says, and still got nothing. Thought it was a good time to change the filter, so I did, and checked fuel flow when the fuel filter cap was off and bumped the starter, and no fuel came in to the filter. Now what?

 

[GReed]

Replace the lift pump and hope your VP44 hasn't gone south. If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge you have no idea how long you have been running with low pressure. If you don't have a gauge, get one.

 

[JR]

Also double check to make sure you don't have any leaks in your suction line between the tank and lift pump. A leak will cause the fuel to siphon back to the tank when the truck is shut off and you will have to bump the lift pump (without turning the engine over) several times with the lines to the VP loosened to prime the system.

Aside from that it's probably your lift pump. The engine block mounted Carter pumps are not the most reliable, and mounting an electric pump on the side of a hot engine that puts out a ton of vibrations was a real brain fart. If you have to replace it you'd be further ahead to relocate along the frame rail.

And like mentioned above, get a fuel pressure gauge!