Fuel Pump.........right on schedule

[FTotts]

Members,

First a thank you to all who have posted and recommended a spare. My signature truck the 04. 5 just turned over 106,000. As planed the fuel pump quit, as I turned into work this morning. Everyone laughed til I pulled an extra from the back seat! Thanks to this forum and Geno's. It took all of a half hour to change it and I was on my way. i do have a couple questions though. First, can I expect another hundred thousand miles out of the second pump? Second is my fuel economy going ot come back? it has been declining over the last five months? It went from 17-18 to about 15-16, I am anal about checking the mileage every tank by hand so ihave a pretty good idea wht is going on with my mileage. At any rate if the economy comes back then would it be a safe assumption that if I could raise the pressure at the injectors I would get better fuel economy? How would I raise the furl rail pressure to the injectors?



Anyway

Thanks to all

Fred T

 

[p-Bar]

You are lucky to get over 100k on that pump most seem to fail around 60-70k just restock the backseat can't help you with the mileage thing maybe a valve adjust is in order.

 

[Turbo_Bob]

Members,

My signature truck the 04. 5 just turned over 106,000. As planed the fuel pump quit, as I turned into work this morning. Everyone laughed til I pulled an extra from the back seat! Thanks to this forum and Geno's. It took all of a half hour to change it and I was on my way. i do have a couple questions though. First, can I expect another hundred thousand miles out of the second pump? Second is my fuel economy going ot come back? it has been declining over the last five months? It went from 17-18 to about 15-16, I am anal about checking the mileage every tank by hand so ihave a pretty good idea wht is going on with my mileage. Fred T

I have a 2003. 5, I have put on 147,000 miles and the lift pump is still good. I did buy a spare from Geno's too, under back seat waiting.

I notice that the kit comes with a steel fuel filter, I cannot see a filter with the original setup. Any problems adding the filter along with lift pump? What tools did you need to do this installation? I should carry the tools in case the pump fails on the road.



I think allot of these lift pumps that fail is due to the ULSD or dirty contaminated fuel. I drove my truck for about a year on this low sulfur fuel, then I decided to add 2-stroke oil to the diesel. To help lube the pumps, injectors, top cylinder. I have had good luck adding the oil, I add 12 oz to each fill-up. I consistently get 23 MPG solo at 65 mph, 11-14 mpg towing at 55-62 MPH, 26' toyhauler & 18' race trailer.

 

[mcsinfl]

80 or 90k out of the first one, second one (genos) lasted 20-30k. last month i put in an airdog

 

[MChessick]

I too carry a spare under the seat. I am still on the origina lift pump with 195k on my 2003. Hope I didn't jinx myself!



Pitcru

 

[Matt400]

Any problems adding the filter along with lift pump?

Nope, its a direct upgrade cuz it also comes with the new lines that accept the filter. I think the OEM feels the premature failures some see is from debris in the fuel as there is no filter in the tank.



All vehicles with intank pumps at least have a sock type filter to protect their pumps where the 03-04. 5 had nothing plus open vents on top of the tank only adds to the trouble.

 

[BHanna]

After hearing about some people going way over 100K on their original, I'm wondering... What's better, replace it as preventive maintenance or just wait for it to go out.

I have about 70K and have a spare lift pump. I was thinking about swapping it with my next filter change as PM.

 

[HOBrian]

After hearing about some people going way over 100K on their original, I'm wondering... What's better, replace it as preventive maintenance or just wait for it to go out.



I have about 70K and have a spare lift pump. I was thinking about swapping it with my next filter change as PM.

That depends, do you have towing or belong to AAA?? Mine went out on the way to work 104k and I had a heck of a time trying to get home. Ended up close but had to get it flatbeded home. Luckly I had towing under insurance! So if you have no "covered towing" I would change it! I went from 7 psi to 0 in under 5 miles!!!!

 

[TCDiesel]

I just seen the 1st 250k factory pump replaced with the dual setup,what's wrong with changing at 100k? My history with the Factory can pump life span 100k to 125k,some fail sooner some later,100k out of a pump that just about anyone can change and cost $180. 00,Whats to complain about.

 

[DieselJeepTower]

OK i have a 04. 5 and i dont have a pressure gauge. How do you know when you lift pump dies??... What are the signs?. . I have check the fuel mileage of my truck and it gets only 15-16 mpg in everyday driving wither im doing 65-70-75-80 it doesnt change... . I have only had the truck for about 2 months so i dont know what it was before... . Oh and the truck has about 112k on it

 

[TCDiesel]

In general it shows no signs of future failure, it will just stop working. Sometime it may start after cycling the key on and leave on then crank,but it works relatively 2 or 3 time before dead completely.

 

[p-Bar]

OK i have a 04. 5 and i dont have a pressure gauge. How do you know when you lift pump dies??... What are the signs?. . I have check the fuel mileage of my truck and it gets only 15-16 mpg in everyday driving wither im doing 65-70-75-80 it doesnt change... . I have only had the truck for about 2 months so i dont know what it was before... . Oh and the truck has about 112k on it

You may want to go to the dealer and have the VIN run to see what has been done to the truck TSB wise maybe you already have the intake pump.

 

[BHanna]

OK i have a 04. 5 and i dont have a pressure gauge. How do you know when you lift pump dies??... What are the signs?. . I have check the fuel mileage of my truck and it gets only 15-16 mpg in everyday driving wither im doing 65-70-75-80 it doesnt change... . I have only had the truck for about 2 months so i dont know what it was before... . Oh and the truck has about 112k on it

You may try a valve adjustment. You're due for it if it hasn't been done. I did mine at about 65K and my mileage went up from 15. 5 to 16. 5 (on a lifted 4wd). Your mileage doesn't sound all that out of the ordinary. Be skeptical of everyone saying they're getting 25 mpg.

 

[04blackcherry]

With a couple of tools and something to lay on, you can change the pump out on the side of the road. My spare pump has the metric socket head tool and pliers with it in case of not making it home. You also need a hose coupling tool of the right diameter. I was able to limp home before the pump quit for good. The symptom I saw for a failing lift pump were: truck dying at speed, then firing back up. I didn't know all I know now about these issues on '03 and '04 Rams until I had to bail off the freeway at 70mph from the fast lane because it died and wouldn't recover.

I looked at all the high priced options for aftermarket pumps and decided on just keeping a stock spare. I don't think it's the best option, but it is simple and easy to replace. Going to an aftermarket will get you better filtration and longevity. There is still the chance of any electric device to fail. Are you going to have a $400 spare pump if you go after market? My thought is to go after market some day but have the stock system as backup. I need to do some thinking on that one.

I only got 70k out of the first pump.