Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Funny Fuel Pressure Problem!

[bsappington]

I installed a pusher pump and a fuel pressure gauge on my truck a couple of years ago. The whole time it has been installed the fuel pressure has never been lower than 15 psi. Sometimes it would bury the needle at 30 psi. I asked about this several times and I was told it was nothing to worry about. I left town for about a month and I just returned. When I drive my truck now the fuel pressure will jump between 10 psi and 15 psi randomly. Most times when I start the truck the pressure goes straight to 15 psi. When the truck starts it kicks down almost imediately to 10 psi. At W. O. T. the pressure will drop to as low as 5 psi. I believe that my lift pump is lost. I check and the pusher pump is still running. Does this sound right? and if so what is the best cure. I don't have money for the mechanical pump. I was thinking is it better just remove the stock lift pump or make a bypass around it? If so I would like to get a parts list and proceedure.



Thanks,

Ben

 

[mhuggler]

I would start by bypassing your pusher and see what the lift pump is doing. It's possible the check valves in it are sticking. BTW, I've been running a holley "blue" pusher for over a year at 30psi. No problems yet.

 

[rivercat]

I was told by a Keith at DD that a mechanical gauge will only hold 10% more than it shows so if it is a 30 psi gauge any more than 33 and the internals will be bent and it might read inaccurate from then on. That being said mine loses antifreeze off the top of the isolator so check that look for a yellow chalk aroung the connections. If not open it any way and look to see that there is plenty of antifreeze in it after you push the diaphram down easily with somthing soft/blunt. Mine stays pegged at 30 unless it losses the ainti freez. Plus My carter pusher is right under me when driving and I can hear it running and hear it lug down when the intake grids kick in.