Killing stock lift pumps with WVO??

[12valveZach]

hey y’all, will fill out sig when I have full WiFi...95 12v 2500 w/ 311k. I recently finished installing my two tank wvo system before leaving on a long road trip. I’ve run 3 vehicles on wvo before, this is my first Cummins conversion. I’m running a line in hose for my wvo and have both tank and filter heaters. I’m using grease-car valves. Using a 3 valve system, one to select fuel to lift pump, one post lift pump for filter selection, and one for return and I’m returning wvo back to tank and not looping. On this trip I’ve been stranded 3 times due to bad lift pumps always after running wvo! I’ve done my best to fully diagnose it each time and every time I end up changing the lift pump it runs again. Now I’m strictly running diesel until I figure it out. Maybe my wvo isn’t hot enough before the LP? Or maybe I need a helper pump when running wvo?? Any help is great! Have way too much money into the kit to not use it... thanks!!

 

[Timd32]

This should link you to the search results for 2nd Gen Lift Pump.

In alot of cases its external to the pump, a real Cummins part lasts many many miles, what brand are you using how did you diagnose the lift pump.

The one post from Sept it wound up being a hose that was being kinked near the back of the engine. Others it looks like air leaks with the hoses.

Someone will chime in with some better info.

Happy Easter.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/search/831928/?q=Lift+pump&o=relevance&c[node]=26

 

[12valveZach]

Thanks, Timd32! When I had my initial failure I diagnosed the lift pump by assuring I was fully primed pre and post lift pump multiple times. I also pressure tested my fuel lines and looked for leaks. It started very hard and belched white smoke and would not be able to idle or run...I’ve repeated this process every time I’ve had a failure. I’ve been on the road so I’ve been replacing them with generic Napa, or O’Reillys that could certainly have something to do with it. It’s just strange that each time I’ve gone ahead and replaced it, the truck runs fine again...

 

[jhenderson]

The factory fuel heater and fuel screen are known problem areas. Check for a plugged screen running wvo.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Eliminate the Fuel heater "PUCK!!!

 

[12valveZach]

Thanks again everyone...quick update, removed the screen in the pre-heater (it was filthy and the seal was very dirty) truck audibly sounds better...yet to try running wvo as I’ve been camped and not driving. Updates to come. I also re-routed my heat exchange so that my wvo filter is the first in line for hot coolant before it goes back to the tank heater.

 

[12valveZach]

Update, after re routing my heat exchange and deleting the aforementioned puck, the truck seems to be very happy running WVO. I've logged only about 300 miles but the truck is running significantly better. Now to install a fuel gauge to relieve all my worries.. Thanks again for all the help.