Archived Lift Pump Died? Or am I just STUPID? HELP!

[bighammer]

12v Lift Pump Died? Or am I just STUPID? HELP!

OK guys, I'm puzzled. I changed my fuel filter today. I can't get the truck started now. Installed the filter (about 1/2 full) and pumped the lift pump plunger a while. It got real firm and I tried to start the engine. No go. I pumped the plunger again for a long long time. (blistered my thumb) I cracked the bleeder on the top of the filter. When I pump the plunger, there is fuel flowing out and all over filter, worn tired hand, etc. When I stop, it sucks in air. I tried to close it while I had fuel coming out and tried to start again. Still nothing. Al @ PDR said it should spray fuel all over if I open the bleeder and crank the engine. I got nothing.



I'm open to suggestions. (again from the wife "So you worked on the truck again... . ")

 

[illflem]

The most common cause of failure on a 12 valve lift pump is the check valves, which keep the pumped fuel from flowing backwards though the pump, without them you will have no pressure. It may have failed long ago. Your injection pump was probably sucking fuel straight from the tank, when you removed the filter you introduced air and broke the suction. Unfortunately you have to buy the whole pump to get new valves. Most auto parts can get an equivalent new pump for you cheaper than Cummins or the dealer. I'll bet your mileage and performance also will go up after a replacement.

 

[bighammer]

Thanks for the response Illflem. I haven't had this trouble before and I thought it was just me at first. I think that may be the case, though. My thumb was telling me something was really wrong. It never took that many pumps to get it goin'.