Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lift Pump problems when Cold

[dalexander]

Since the weather turned cold my truck does not start right up anymore. It does not matter if it is plugged in or not. It seems to be an issue with the lift pump. When cold the lift pump clatters and the fuel pressure swings from 0 to 15 PSI and will stall completely then start up again. After running awhile it is fine. Is this a sign that the lift pump is going out?? I thought of taking it to the dealer but I am concerned they will test it warm and charge me a diag fee and say it's fine. Has anyone else experienced this before?



Dennis



Update



Took my truck into the dealer saturday since the starting issues were to the point that if it sat a few hours it would be hard to start. Called the dealer for an update this morning and the service dept said that the technician's notes stated that the pump only pumped 18 oz. in the flow test and the technician said he has concerns about the injection pump. The technicain said that once he replaces the lift pump he was going to re-test the injection pump. Anyone know what they do to test the injection pump? Also if it passes the tests will the injection pump last much longer since it had been starved for fuel?

 

[Moose Truck]

Hate to say it, But I am having the same problem But, I know my LP is Bad. Gotta change it soon. Moose

 

[jandtjil]

I have to ask, are you waiting for the intake grid heater to reach temp and the light on the dash to go out? If you are waiting, it could be a prob with this eqpt rather than a fuel issue.



JJ

 

[dalexander]

Yes, I am waiting for grid heaters to cycle and They are working battery volts drop near 8 volts while on. I also discovered while troubleshooting that I have 0 PSI at cranking. Ran the manual procedure of disabling the injection pump to prevent starting and gauge shows Zero PSI

 

[jandtjil]

That doesn't sound encouraging. I am sure you have checked the lift pump elec connections... , is the 0 pressure before or after the fuel filter.

Not second guessing you, just trying to cover all the angles, hoping it is not the lift pump.

I am not sure what I hate worse, battling lift pumps and steering woes or dealing with salemen when you trade it off.

hang in there!



JJ

 

[dalexander]

update:

The tempertures have been above freezing the last week or so and It's been starting up fine. This weekend it supposed to drop into the low 20's. I'll see what happens. I am not sure what the dealer would do if I were to say it only happens when temps are below freezing?



Thanks for the feedback

Dennis

 

[JR2]

I have never had problems with my lift pump here in AK. I have been in temps down to -30 F and it runs just fine. I think you have a bad lift pump.

 

[EBozard]

Mine is doing thae EXACT same thing !

 

[EBozard]

I did find out why mine was doing the same thing. I had the o-ring on the fuel filter on top of the filter instead underneath the filter flange. This allowed seepage of air into the system making it hard for the lift pump to reprime. I thought the o-ring was suppose to be on top, for that is how it was when i changed it the first time, but when ordering the filters from Genos, it came already on the filter, so i got looking at it closely and that is the proper way. Sine then, problem has been solved. cya