Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) I cured my hard start below 3/4 tank

[Aaron_A]

Ever since my original LP failed and I installed my FASS I have had hard starts when the tank is less than 3/4 full. This weekend I decided to solve this.

I lifted the bed of the truck and removed the module. I was able to lift the module enuff to see inside the tank while it was still submerged in fuel.

I had the wife start the truck while I watched inside the tank.

Apperently what is happening is the FASS sucks the fuel from the cup of the module way faster than the fuel enters the cup Its sucking air.



What I did was remove the screen from the module and removed a stupid looking float from inside the screen (and left it out).

I then drilled a bunch of holes both behind the screen(bottom of module cup inside of screen) and in the bottom ledge of the cup.

I took the module completely appart and cleaned all the plastic shavings out and then reassembled everything and reinstalled the screen.



I repeated my test running the truck while watching in the tank, no more empty module.

After putting everything back together I went for a drive. The truck is even capable of black smoke now with the comp turned up,I guess it never had enuff fuel to do this before.

The strange thing is my fuel pressure is the same while running,I guess now I have just fuel not fuel and lots of air.

Oo. Now she starts great no matter how much fuel is in the tank.

 

[Aaron_A]

Heres a pic of how I lifted the box. I removed everyting but the rear bolts (I just left them loose) I jacked the front of the box and supported it with 4x4 blocks.

It really worked slick since nobody was around to help me remove the box.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=18573&width=1

 

[GKinney]

Amen

My hat is off to you Aaron_A, too bad more people on here wouldn't do a module "cleaning" to get a better flow of fuel out of the tank. I think it would save a lot of LP's and VP44's if they only knew how they were both being starved from the P. O. S. tank module. I bypassed the whole module with a 1/2" black iron pipe for my suction line. Fass purrs like a kitten. My $. 02.

 

[Aaron_A]

Yep, after watching what is happening in the tank when the engine is running,I get the feeling the module is probably the root of many problems with our trucks.

If you own a Cummins its my advice to modify the fuel pickup,it may save a buch of cash in the long run.

I only wish I did this sooner.

 

[reddge]

I have the same problem.

Thanks for the info. Now I know what to do.

 

[rowilson]

Aaron,

Did you take any pictures of the module after you modified it? I haven't seen one apart so it's a little tough to visualize.

 

[Aaron_A]

I didnt take any pictures of the module (I wish I did) but I know someone here has some good pics of one.

It was 2am Saturday when I finished reinstallig the module and I was soaked in diesel so I didnt want to touch my camera.

There really isnt much to it once you get to it.

 

[OWeigel]

When did the older modules became newer modules? And are the newer modules any better??

Going to install the Fass on my 02 CTD soon so I wonder if this can be an issue or what?

 

[Chrisw]

does your fast sound different now? my fass keeps changing in pitch when the engine is running. like it keeps getting air in it, it's a constantly changing sound instead on a steady hummmmmmmmmmmmm.



chris

 

[R-N-R]

A couple of years ago I saw a nice looking stainless Steel replacement pickup assembly, I have not seen it since. I am surprised that upgraded units are not being produced by a busines or basement enterprise.