Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lift pump concerns

[Randy]

I have a 98. 5 24 valve. My truck has 80,000+ miles on it. I am concerned about the lift pump getting weak. What are the symptoms of a week lift pump? What will the dealer do if I take it in and say I think my lift pump is going out? Just driving around it seems fine, except once in a while when I punch it, there is a stumble. It is not a regular thing, but I know that there is a problem starting to creep in. My concern is when I am pulling my 26' 5er, I am afraid it will worsen the problem. Thanks for the help.

 

[WadePatton]

Depends on the dealer. You'll generally have to convince them that it's not running right before they'll raise the hood.



The best way is check it is to use a Briar Hopper test gauge. Plug it in (may require banjo change) and tape it to the windshield then run it down the road. Idleing and revving won't show real world pressures.



There is no other way to diagnose the LP going out. By the time you "feel it" damage to the VP44 may have been done. Hope not.



Then mount a permanent FP gauge.



And back to the dealer--they'll typically take 2 days to diagnose it 1 day to order the part and another day to put it on. Or you can buy one from Cummins for 150-odd bucks and put it on yourself in a couple of hours max.

 

[JWhitcomb]

Briar Hopper

Just a quick caution about using the gauge taped to the windshield. Some trucks need the Schrader valve loosened to get a reading, mine does. Make sure you get the gauge on tight. Mine will work loose in a few miles. You can tell right away as the odor gets into the cab pretty quick.

 

[WadePatton]

Yeah, try to avoid rain too--no wipers. That happened to me the second time. It also helps to use a rag or something to wedge the gauge away from the glass--makes it easier to read.



Never had a leakage.

 

[Pit Bull]

Randy take it in and tell the dealer you have "low power condition" when towing your trailer and when driving your truck unloaded up hills. That is the discription for a bad lift pump. Don't mention the lift pump, they will then test your lift pump and if it is not performing within spec they will replace it. Also get a Briar hopper FP gauge they work great.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I really think the TDR board system administrator should put in GREAT BIG LETTERS across all the forum lead pages:



GUAGES! - GUAGES! - GUAGES! - GUAGES!... ...





Sure would solve LOTS of problems and questions...

 

[Fireman Dave]

It depends on your dealer. A fuel pressure gauge is a must have in my opinion. I've been watching my pump die in recent months - and it's been up and down. It finally started to be consistently low. The dealer will check it - and it has to be lower than spec before they'll change it. In my case, it runs the same at 0 as it does at 12 lbs, so the gauge was the only indicator that it was going bad. The dealer says it won't run at 0, but that's not true. Anyway, I finally got it in there when it was showing 0-5 lbs - they checked it with their gauge, and confirmed that it's toast. So it's on order now. Also, it's covered under the 100,000 mile Cummins engine warranty. In my case, the dealer was aware that my only problem was a low gauge reading - I didn't have to play the "low on power" card. They're decent that way.



Good Luck.