Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ISB lift pump bracket removal

[Ncostello]

If you happen to remove your lift pump and move it somewhere else or install a better pump and dont need the bracket you might be able to remove it to clean up the engine area a little more.



There was some info here that stated if you removed the bracket it would uncover a passage that used to be cast into the block for the 12V lift pump arm to contact the camshaft lobe. Thus oil would shoot out this passage if left uncovered.



Recently I read some posts where some took them off to only find a solid block and no passages. Well curiosity got the best of me and I took mine off. Mine is solid and the four threaded holes for the bracket bolts are not thru to the inner engine. This kinda made me happy as that bracket was always staring at me with no purpose and looked kinda strange just sticking out for no reason.



The bracket itself has two threaded holes in it which wiring harness clamps attach too. But the harness is so stiff right there I can't see how losing them is going to harm anything. My harness is still tight in place.



Just thought I'd throw this out in case anyone wanted to get rid of theirs. But dont be suprised if you have a passage. Some did... some didn't. Kinda reminds me of the ISB improved gear case... some 24V's had them while others didn't.

 

[Sixpack]

Neil, did you see any change in your fuel pressure by moving the pump closer to the tank? Phil

 

[RobertMiller1]

so, how did you get at the danged thing anyway? I'd like to move mine to the back, but the only way I can see to get at it is to remove the fender skirt.

 

[Thomas]

The model year 2000 parts catalog shows a gasket (P/N5011437AA GASKET, Engine Block Cover) between the bracket and the engine.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I think these blocks are cast in 3 major locations - Mexico, Brazil and the USA - I may be wrong - but I suppose there's a possibility that casting patterns differ slightly from one location to another - like the "53" blocks...



The fewer unnecessary holes in the block, the better!

 

[Ncostello]

Mine had no gasket. Just smooth cast iron surface to which the bracket butts up against. My block is also not a 53. I think mine is a block made in Brazil which does not have 53, 54 or any kind of markings on it. I'm not saying all are like this... but some are.



The only change I saw in fuel pressure was that it stays fairly constant. But I didn't just move the pump... I replaced the OEM filter with Stanadynes and a bunch of other stuff like modifying the fuel tank module pick-up.



How'd I get to it? I just climbed up on top of the engine/radiator support and reached down there. The bolts were not tight at all. This is the same working position I use when messing with injectors. I used to work on the lift pump in its original location by standing on my vehicle ramps next to the driver front tire. Gave me plenty of extra reach.

 

[John]

Neil, I removed my OE lift pump and the mounting plate about 3+ years ago on my '98. 5 (NON 53 block) 24v. I always thought it was strange Cummins used such a stout (read: thick) mounting bracket for that small Carter lift pump. That is, until I removed the bracket (and sealing gasket) and discovered that it also doubled as a block-off plate for the 12v (mechanically driven off of a cam lobe) lift pump.



What did I do? Heh,heh, I modified the bracket by cutting off the "ears", and filed the edges, finishing with some black paint (as I remember).



Remember, it's the details that make a completed job a success!

 

[Ncostello]

Mines sitting in the shop at work now. Tomorrow they will use a bandsaw to cut it and I'll polish the edges and paint it. I'll bolt it back on just for a finished look and also to put my wire loom back in place. If I ever need it again for some reason I'll just mig it back together and repaint it.



I agree with you John!