Is starter removal necessary to change out lift pump?

[DEZLPWR]

I have heard coflicting opinions as to whether or not the starter needs to be removed to gain access to the lift pump. What is the easiest and quickest method for removal. My service manual say to remove the starter.



Thanks!



Steve

 

[John]

No!

No, you don't have to remove the starter to change the lift pump. Even the worse case scenario (mine ... auto. equipped Ram with Aeroquip s/s fuel lines/fittings), you still don't need to R&R the starter.



I personally saw Evan Beck change out a lift pump on an auto. equipped Ram with OE supply lines (w. banjo fittings) in 15 minutes... and I timed him!



I'm not going to tell what it took me, I'm too embarrassed.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

I changed the one on my '99 in about 30 minutes. It's much easier if you remove the fuel filter housing bracket. You don't need to drain it, just keep it upright. Then you can get both hands down there.

 

[Briar Hopper]

I've changed out two, and had a third one done by Scheid Diesel as a courtesy to me (Thanks Dan !). The first one, I removed the starter to get to the pump from below. It took around two hours. The second time the lift pump failed, I tried it from above. Without removing ANYTHING, not even the filter, I got it changed out in an easy 20 minutes. A GOOD step stool and a fender cover are necessities. Also a flaslight, or trouble light. You won't be able to see the pump while your hands are down in there, you'll have to do it by feel.

 

[Joe G.]

Removing the starter is easy. Disconnect the battery ground wires and the two wires on the starter. Then there are only three screws with 12 point 10mm heads to remove. It slides right out. That should take less than ten minutes even if you are slow. No big deal. Then you don't have to work on the lift pump by brail.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

i prefer brail , doing it from below is sure to give you a #2 bath . i haven't tryed it with the filter in place , but its a piece o cake with it out , 30 miutes tops ...