Is my lift pump dead

[otis]

When I left this morning and turned the ignition on, the lift pump didn't make a sound. The last few day's it sounded a little louder than usual but still ran for only a couple of seconds. The engine fires up instantly like it always has though.

 

[TNT]

Get one of Briar Hopper's test gauges, and check it out.

 

[A Johnson]

It's is probably dead. The newer ECM calibrations limit the initial lift pump being on for only a split second ( short bzt sound).

If you bump the starter without starting the engine the lift pump should run for quite a while.

At the very least put a gauge on it and see what pressure is with engine running.

Do to the design of the lift pump having a pressurizing valve in it, if this valve is also failed, the VP-44 may still be pulling fuel from the tank past the lift pump and allowing your engine to run.

My advice is don't run it much untill you get some checks done.

 

[otis]

Thanks guys, I'll have it checked.

 

[Whitmore]

otis

if you have no gages to monitor than try this, withthe engine off lift the little bleed off valve on your filter housing and then bump the starter on the truck, this will give the lift pump a signal to run for 26 secs , watch the flow on the drain tube ,it should be a good flow so do this in the dirt or get a catch pan... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... worth a try... ... ... . Kevin

 

[Bigsaint]

otis, like TNT stated, best bet is to check the fuel pressure. If you plan on have having the dealer check it, be warned, what they see may not be what is actually happening. These pumps don't just die, they go out slowly. If possible, hook up a temporary FP gauge and go for a ride. If you see good psi's at idle or under throttle at idle, take a short trip and test it under a load. A failing pump will show sporadic readings and you will actually see the FP gauge needle jump around, in my experience. If your pump is truly dead, you will experience hard starts and a very pronounnced bucking/shudder under heavy throttle.



Scott W.

 

[mongoose]

i agree with them going slowly. I replaced my first one in June of last year. Had a gauge hooked up right after and fuel pressure was good. Had my gauge disconnected until about a month ago. When i hooked it back up was down to 10 psi at idle and 5 pst under load. Monday morning on the way to work pressure dropped to 3 and stayed there. Yesterday on the way to the dealer for a replacement pressure was back up to 9 at idle but down to 0 at 70 on the freeway. New pump and this morning i had 15 at idle and 13 on the freeway.

 

[DPelletier]

I was going to post a similar question. My truck just doesn't start quite as quickly as it used to (18,000 mi on it now). It still starts way better than our powerstroke, but just not like a few months ago. It isn't a huge problem, but if it is an indication that the lift pump is dying !

Whitmore, I tried doing what you suggest. lift pump did run on, got diesel fuel all over the place! I didn't time it, but it did run for at least 15 - 20 seconds. Pump makes a bzzzt type of rattling noise while running. Is this normal? I have never really listened to it before, because the engine starts so quickly.

Thanks



Dave

 

[JPittman]

Dave,



It is normal to hear the bzzzz, short burst when key is turned on, and about 20 sec. + if bumped.



Otis,



We stayed in Chilliwack when up there to see Bill at DTT, nice area, nice people.

 

[DPelletier]

Thanks JPittman.

I am probably just being paranoid anyway. I checked service action # 00-11 and my engine serial number does not fall into the affected range of bad lift pumps. Of course this doesn't mean mine is immune to failure! I am not exactly sure when this harder than normal starting thing started, but now that I think about it, I am wondering if it may simply be due to the winter blend of diesel that I have been using lately. I have our fuel supplier calling me back to advise what exactly we have been getting. Thanks again for the info.

Dave

 

[JPittman]

Dave,



You're welcome. I know the paranoid feeling, I'm that way too. I got Briar Hopper's fuel pressure kit so I can test both pre & post filter readings. I'll do this until I have the time to install a permanent fuel pressure gauge.

 

[The Sequel]

This is the first I've heard of a TSB on lift pumps. What trucks does it apply to and where do you find the serial number on your engine?

 

[DPelletier]

Sequel,



It isn't really a TSB, its called Service Action #00-11 and affects 2000 and 2001 trucks between engine serial numbers 56662576 and 56671920. Mine is #56781551, so I am ok this time! It is located on www.dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/2000/Sa_00-11.htm

(in the TSB section).



Sorry, I would hyperlink it, but I haven't taken the time to figure out how to do that!



Dave

 

[DPelletier]

Well, will you look at that!! I guess I don't need to know how. It did it all on its own.

 

[otis]

Well I feel much better now! Phoned my local dealer and he booked me in first thing. Found out lift pump was toast and installed new one under warranty while I waited!I'M STUNNED.

Thanks for all the help everyone!!!!



Otis

 

[Whitmore]

Otis do yourself a favor,

#1 The smart person that you are by joining the TDR saved your VP-44 by discovering the bad lift pump so KUDOS TO YOU OTIS



now with that , get you a gage , sender and a banjo bolt (tapped ) and then what ever type of mount you want for the gage the vitals of your investment are way to important to ignore , JMO... ... ... ... . Kevin

 

[otis]

Good point Whitmore, consider it done!!!!