Archived Lift pump dying in Castle Rock, CO....

[joel]

I'm in the middle of a move from WA to TX and all of a sudden my mileage has dropped 2-3 MPG, power has gone down noticeably and I'm putting out black smoke when I never have before. Checked with the local "5 star" dealer (just now doing their Grand Opening - explain that one to me... ) and they have all of ONE diesel tech. And in the words of the service writer, "with all the ranchers around here, every other rig is diesel. Explain that staffing decision to me... .



Anyway, went to a local performance shop and had my fuel pressure tested (on my dime) and it's 10 at idle. OK, lift pump going probably, but I can't get in to any of the dealers around here (Castle Rock, CO) until Monday at the earliest. I need to be in Arlington, TX by Thursday night in order to meet my movers Friday AM.



I'd like to try changing out the fuel filter first, in case I got a dirty tank of fuel, but the movers got 'em before I could set one aside for the trip. Anyone in this area have one I could buy or "borrow" and I'll send you a replacement when I get mine unpacked?



BTW - the local NAPA has (WIX, I think) filters for $30 and says the same filter fits the 97, 98 and 99 engines. If I remember correctly, that's not the case, is it?



You can PM me here or call my cell at 360-202-8267. Thanks.



Joel

 

[milehiscott]

Joel,

I just looked at the Geno's site, and they list 97-99 as the years for the same filter. I called NAPA in Denver and they said $26. 95 for your filter. I'd give you mine but I have an 01, sorry.

The Colorado Springs (~30mi. south of Castle Rock on I-25) dealer is supposed to be good, I've never used them though.

Good luck,

Scott

 

[WyoJim]

joel... . Mine did that coming home from a trip back east. I took a few minutes in Cabela's parking lot to tighten all the air hoses from the Turbo to the air horn. Problem solved. This hose problem will sneak up on you.

 

[Fuzz]

Where you at in CR

Too late now as they are probably closed ... Colorado Diesel Emmissions are in Castle Rock. Or did you try them...

I have a 2000 does that mean my filter wont' work.

I live about 5 north of CR.

My fone:303-688-4764

Fuzz

 

[B.G. Smith]

Lift pump

If you are showing 10# after the filter I doubt that you have a problem with the pump or filter. It is normal to see a lot more smoke at higher altitudes. It is also normal to get less mileage in hilly terrain with a diesel, at least that is my experience. Hope you get things worked out, I'm a little far south to help but welcome to Texas. bg

 

[joel]

Thanks for all the responses. Here's the plan...

I changed out the fuel filter this afternoon and tightened every bolt/nut I saw coming off the turbo. Drove it around and same smoke and as far as I can tell, still seems a bit sluggish. Just topped off, so won't know the mileage for a while.



I'm heading out early from here to Carlin Dodge in Co. Springs. They said they're booked solid, but will work me in if I'm there early and they have a couple of lift pumps on hand that they can swap to my truck. I guess they are on restriction and have to be ordered by VIN, so they'll have to run diagnostics, then call DC to get the omni-omni and get a replacement in for the one they use on mine.



Of course, this is assuming that it's the lift pump. For all I know, I'm being paranoid and overly sensitive to the altitude and heat and everything's perfectly normal.



Fuzz - I did go to Co. Diesel Emissions. Great folks. They tested my pressure. Had to rob a banjo with the scheader to do it and they were also pretty swamped, but they made the time to help out a traveler. They said there was an extra "ticking" noise and suspected the lift pump right away when I described the symptoms. I also told them the engine was still under warranty so they weren't trying to "drum up business". They said they couldn't even get the pumps from the Dodge dealer - they are ALL in VIN restriction, even if you just want to pay for it yourself, they will apparently not sell you one! Cummins will, so as a last resort, there's always that.



Rant on: I just don't get it: the pumps fail at a high rate. Dodge knows this is a problem. They won't admit it, of course, but to put the replacements on restriction so they're not readily available to owners when they do die? Let's see... inconvenience the customer with a poor design that we know about - no biggie, we'll cover it under warranty. Now, let's inconvenience them again by not having them available and making them wait a day or two to get one. Do they have to be somewhere? Of course not - all Ram owners work on OUR schedule, not their own. Sheesh. Maybe I'll have to stay Navy for 30 years; I obviously don't get the concept of business and customer satisfaction. DC - are you seeing this??? Rant off - sorry.



Thanks again, everyone. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Joel Richards]

I'm not sure if an '02 lift pump will work, but I have a spare (bought from Cummins) that I'll be glad to get to you. Gotta find out if it will fit first. I'll make a call in the morning and find out. Check your PM for my phone number.



HTH

Joel

 

[Ladders]

Some thoughts...

Do you have a boost guage, if so ck for leaks in the line ('specially if its plastic).

A newer pump will fit if you have the pigtail to adapt it (Cummins dlr has best price for pumps about 160$ vs stealer @ 470+$ and usually has the pigtail in stk - dont forget the banjo washers). 10 at idle not really ideal - new (revised) pumps do 18-20 at idle so it could be pulling below the "magic" 8 figure when go pedal is used.



I drive to 12-14k ft in CO a lot and never notice a smoke/mileage diff - usually run about same as here (18-22) even with the climbs/drops/turns/oopses. Might be another prob you are seeing but dont sound like pump/filter from me experience.



Double ck your hose fittings and that they snugged up all the way (not just partiallly on) -- wild thought -- did you ck the intercooler/radiator area for maybe a stick/rock HOLE that may be dropping the boost (which is what your problem sounds like).





just my 0. 015 worth



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[joel]

not lift pump... SHORT BLOCK!

Truck is in Co. Springs. I'm in TX. Coming back to get it next week. Thanks for all the help.



Carlin Dodge has some good folks. They squeezed me in and immediately heard an extra knocking in the lower block. Tech - Dana - said probably lost compression in a cylinder. He said it would need at least a short block, maybe a long one, depending on the head condition. He called Star Tech and they authorized the new engine, after the visual inspection.



First question was "how long have you been running Amsoil?" I said almost 20K - is that a problem? He said nope, not at all. What about filters? I said Fleetguard or Amsoil only. That's good 'cause he's seen some of the FRam and Wix ones go thru an engine.



I'll be back up there next week to pick up the truck and continue our move/vacation. Thanks for all the suggestions and offers of help! I'll keep everyone posted.



Laptop battery about to die - more later!

 

[MikeR]

Bummer to hear of the engine, Joel. Is the tech sure and verified it is loosing compression? Or just assuming? Hope it all works out.



Didn't know you were moving away. It was nice to have met you at Dyno Day.



-Mike

 

[ftb87]

Joel,



I use to us Castle Dodge... however, they do NOT KNOW HOW TO WORK ON A DIESEL ENGINE.



I have had numerous problems with them and they customer service department (I would avoid them at all cost).



Sorry to rant and rave. Good luck in getting your truck repaired and I hope your trip back to the Springs is a good one.



Frank