Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Just how long does a 12V lift pump last?

[lpearson]

Truck is running fine, replaced the overflow valve when the fuel pressure was down a little; but now it seems I hear the "clicking" sound of the lift pump more and more.



Do I let it go until it "crashes" or do I replace it now? 181K on the OD.



Regards,

Lowell

 

[fortunate1]

Does it leak? How low was the pressure? That clicking may be from the actuator shaft (? not sure if that's the correct name) that gets shoved back & forth by a cam. Maybe the spring isn't returning it smoothly to the contour of the cam OR maybe it's bent. I replaced my leaking lift pump @ 176K miles, so it's not impossible for yours to be on it's way out @ 181K. It's up to you, but I wouldn't want the shaft to find its way into the crankcase or damage the cam's contour.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

Just changed mine out at 185,000 cause it started puking all over the place. I made that ticking noise since it was brand new, kinda sounds like an exhaust leak on a SBC. With 50psi of fuel pressure at WOT the truck runs now!!!

 

[Cooker]

I remember reading Evan Beck saying the seals start to go around 80k. This will cause hard starting problems, but the LP should still run ok unless the seals are really bad.

 

[drrhoades]

I have a clicking sound that I am assuming is coming from the lift pump. It is there all of the time. Should I replace it now and not have to worry about it in the future or is it now a big deal. Is it and easy job to do. My truck only has 71,000 miles on it.



Thanks

Doug

 

[Joe G.]

Mine has 222K miles on it. I don't know if it's clicking or not. Plenty of fuel pressure. The only trouble I've had was the O-ring on the manual button leaked. Really made a mess so I thought it was shot until I investigated closely. The O-ring causeing the mess cost 51 cents.

 

[lpearson]

Thanks for the replys

The pump doesn't leak, I've checked - just bothered about the increased clicking sound. Maybe it's me, cause now I listen for it all the time.



I'm not the original owner so I don't know if this is the original lift pump or not. When I tested the pressure it was 18 WOT and I think 22 at idle. Talked to Al at PDR and he thought it was the overflow valve ---- so I replaced it and I haven't rechecked the presure.



Again, the Truck runs great, just thinking about preventive maintance.



Is the lift pump a hard thing to replace? Any tips?



Regards,

Lowell

 

[JJW_ND]

Been down that road...

Had the clicking sound with 210K on the truck. Checked fuel pressure. All was fine!



Something must be wearing out with over 200K. Has to be!



Changed overflow valve. Still clicked.



Changed the lift pump! Click still there.



I now have the same pressures but I have a good spare overflow valve and lift pump.



If pressures are fine, I would just run it.



jjw

ND

 

[bmoeller]

Re: Thanks for the replys

Originally posted by lpearson

Is the lift pump a hard thing to replace? Any tips?



Regards,

Lowell

Lift pump install-



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33027&highlight=lift+pump

 

[R.ebel]

Lift pump

Just had to change mine at 115,000 miles. Truck ran fine untill I changed the fuel filter. Pumped the plunger button 300+ times and could not get it to prime, WTF? A new lift pump solved the problem

 

[drrhoades]

I changed my fuel filter and the lift pump pumped in the fuel fine when I pumped it. I only pumped it about 20 times and that was it, fuel was coming out of the top of the filter. I have noticed that the ticking sound seems to be coming from the fuel pump in the tank. My question is; Is this a normal thing or does the ticking mean that the fuel pump is going to quit. I have looked at the fuel lines to see if they are slappin the frame but I dont think they are. Any suggestions would be appreciated.



Doug