Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) fuel sending unit pick-up screen

[JDGunn]

I finally got around to fixing my fuel gauge thanks to the "Back in the Saddle" article in Issue 75. Didnt know i could just get the repair kit instead of the $500 assembly. Thanks TDR!! Problem is, when I did this I thought I would be smart and clean the pick-up screen. I ripped the primary screen, now I'm wondering what this check valve is for. Is it an anti-back flow valve or something similar? This screen seems to be impossible to replace without buying the whole assembly. Are there any quick fixes to do without this screen and valve? I should put a pre-pump filter on it anyway I know. I just haven't yet. Thanks for any help!!!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yes it's sort of an antisiphon/check valve in order to help maintain fuel prime when the tank is pretty low. Running without it can cause fuel starvation below 1/4 to 1/8 tank when accelerating or braking, it's something you'd want to have. I will look in my garage tomorrow and see if I got one floating around. You might also be able to scare one up at a junkyard or put an ad in the classifieds.

 

[JDGunn]

Thanks a bunch Vaughn, this all makes sense now. I've been pulling my hair out wondering if this could be why the truck has died once and failed to start once. Both times I was getting ready to fuel up (one of the times it failed to start in line at the station with horse trailer attached) and both times fuel level was about 1/4 tank. I'll keep looking locally at junkyards to see if I can find a sending unit. I would be more than glad to pay you for one if you have it. I've put too much money and time in my '01 to just throw it away now. Thanks again for the info! Jon.

 

[pfmoale]

JD,
I was fueling with 50% #2 diesel and 50% bio diesel. Over time I got the dreaded code, that would not go away. (I hope you haven't gotten to that point yet !) Yes, cost me about $2,000 for a "Special X" IP from Bluechip diesel.
I dropped the tank and removed the sending unit. Not good ! The goop in the bottom of the tank looked something like shellack, and the fine pick up screen was a mess.
No more BD for me. I am not risking a $2,000 IP just to save on fuel.
Have you installed the Fass fuel pump for your 01 ? (Mine is also an 01).
Additionally, have you installed a fuel pressure gauge ? A MUST FOR 01's !
My sending unit was such a basket case, I had to buy a new replacement. Yes at the $500 price tag. No, I wasn't going to put the "Pump in tank" route. for serviceability, that would be a real pain in the ***** !
I even went and purchased a spare Fass lift pump, to keep under the back seat. Why ? Because you never know the day, nor the hour, the pump will take dump. No fuel to IP, you just bought a new IP, along with a new lift pump !
(With my luck, since I bought the spare lift pump, I'll probably never have any issues with the installed lift pump !)
Good luck !

Peter

 

[JDGunn]

Peter

I did get the 1690 or 1694 I don't remember which, but it was the one that was bad IP. I thought about the replacement sender from NAPA (1/2 price of Dodge) with pump in the tank, but decided I may be getting in over my head trying to by-pass that pump. I have already installed Raptor 100 gph pump. I have Edge Juice w/Attitude CS, so I have all the gauges too. Love the Juice CS.



I finally found a used sender with good screen for $150 at a truck salvage yard in IN. Installed Wed. and running good, we'll see what happens when I get to 1/4 tank of fuel or below. Thanks for the heads up on the bio diesel mix though, i don't need and other headaches to mess with. The bad IP code has dissappeared now. I think it came up due to not having the fuel pressure it needed.