Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lift pump, or ?!?!?!

[Misled]

OK, as you can tell, I'm brand new posting here, although I have read the posts for about a year...



Here is my deal.....

Over the last several months, the fuel mileage on my truck has decreased noticeably. Well, yesterday, I went down to Enterprise Engine to get filters and mentioned it to Doug there..... he stated that it "may" be my lift pump going bad, and that he would be happy to check it for me when I had a chance to stop by with the truck... ...



Later that day, I was driving the truck, stopped and filled it up at a truck stop. About 1 mile from there, the truck sputtered and died. Plenty of battery and it cranked over, but would not fire. I assumed that the pump finally failed, so I called for a tow. $90. 00 later, my truck was in the garage. About an hour later, I went out and tried it, and it did fire up, but ran pretty rough. I shut it off and left it. I tried to call Enterprise this morning and found they were closed for the weekend (I'm sure they would have got me up and running, but I really needed to get it running)



I then went to a Cummins Distributor and got the pump, wiring adapter, and washers. I installed them like posted by TowPro, with no problems, until... ... ..... I tried the priming sequence. If the pump is running and I crack a fitting, it will take suction and sounds like it's under load. As soon as it shuts off, it seems to lose it's prime. There are no leaks on the outlet side all the way up the injection pump. What I did notice is that the quick connect fitting seems to be somewhat loose. It has more "slop" than the return line behind it, so I'm assuming this is where the air leak is... ... .



Any ideas?!?!?!? PLEASE?!?!?!?! I still really need to get this thing running tomorrow!!!!!!



Thanks in advance!!



Misled

 

[Duane George]

lift pump........

did you change your fuel filter? it would be a good idea.

if cycling the the lift pump doesn't work in getting the engine running you can take your air compressor and pressurize the fuel tank. this should get fuel thru the fuel and injector pump and hopefully get your engine to fire. works for me



good luck!



Duane

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I expect there is an o ring inside the quick disconnect--see if it is OK. I bleed several cylinders like 1, 3, 4, maybe 5 as I can get to them, to help prime the system. After tightening the nuts at the head, it usually starts fine. I think I'd check fuel pressure going to the injection pump first of all. If you have an early 24V there are two 1/8 NPT fittings on top of the filter housing. Put in a fitting going to compression-ferrule type line and temporarily hook up your boost gauge there. IF a later engine with the black plastic top to the fuel filter canister, you need an adapter for the Schrader valve on the banjo fitting qat the side of the injection pump.

 

[TowPro]

when I was having problems priming mine, the Cummins guy was quick to point out that there is an o-ring in that quick connector, but it is a Dodge part. I checked mine and the o ring was still there. Its been a while, but I think the oring was even a different color.



Did you loose one of the banjo bolt washers on the inlet side? That would allow you to suck air, and loose your prime.



I know this sounds stuped, but Dodge has been known for bad sending units. I think they stick and show more fuel then you really have. Maybe your out of fuel? Just a thought.

Originally posted by Joseph Donnelly

I expect there is an o ring inside the quick disconnect--see if it is OK. I bleed several cylinders like 1, 3, 4, maybe 5 as I can get to them, to help prime the system. After tightening the nuts at the head, it usually starts fine. I think I'd check fuel pressure going to the injection pump first of all. If you have an early 24V there are two 1/8 NPT fittings on top of the filter housing. Put in a fitting going to compression-ferrule type line and temporarily hook up your boost gauge there. IF a later engine with the black plastic top to the fuel filter canister, you need an adapter for the Schrader valve on the banjo fitting qat the side of the injection pump.

 

[illflem]

Since your problem occurred right after a fill up I would suspect a bad load of fuel. One is all it takes, if there was enough crud in it the strainer in your fuel tank as well as the main filter may be plugged.

 

[Misled]

Thanks for all the ideas!!!! I did the following... .

1. Pressurized the tank with the quick diconnect hose off... . fuel flowed, so no blockage... . (BTW, the fuel level sending unit is a little goofy sometimes!!!!)

2. Pressurized the tank with the quick connect on... ... no leaks at the quick connect or banjo at the inlet side... ...

3. Bled each fitting up to the Injector pump inlet... ... sprays plenty of fuel (all over me, the truck, garage, etc. !!!)

4. Cracked open 1,3,5 injector lines one at a time, while my son cranked the starter... . results... ... pulsing bubbles at 1 and 3... ... one solid stream at #5. . (I am assuming this should pulse?!?!?!)



Is this a bad thing?!?!?!, indicating my injector pump may be bad?!?!?!



I'm exhausted and ******, so I'm calling a dealer Monday... ... anything I should be preparing for, fight wise?!?!?! The only mods to my truck are a 4" straight exhaust... the truck has 83000 miles, I'm the second owner, and it should be within the 5 years... ...



Thanks in advance for all your help!!!!



Misled

 

[Misled]

Oh, and who pays the tow bill from my house to the dealer, since I already footed the $90. 00 to get the (&$#%^*& thing home?!?!?!



Thanks,



Misled

 

[illflem]

I think they will only pay towing to the dealer, nowhere else

 

[Misled]

That would be nice... . I don't expect to be reimbursed for the first $90. 00, but I wasn't real thrilled about paying it again!!!