Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Mike Ellis
TDR MEMBER
Quite a while back I had posted about some unusual hammering noises coming from the pump side of my engine under heavy loads. A few of the RKI's on here pointed me toward the lift pump.
I had planned to change it out at the time, but due to illness I have not been towing much and under normal driving there didn't seem to be a problem so I procrastinated. During recent fuel filter change I noticed some bronze powder / shavings in the bottom of the canister (arrrgggh, only one place for them to come from) so this week I took the truck in to Cummins and had the pump replaced.
They charged me $149. 38 for the pump and $120 for labor. Sure is irritating to have to pay people to do things like this that I routinely did myself before, but as usual the Cummins guys did a great job and cleaned the engine up nicely so I can't complain too awful much I guess. Well actually when I think about how many . 22 bullets I could have bought for $120 I might be able to complain just a LITTLE
The old lift pump seemed to be in OK shape, actuator didn't bind or anything but there were slight traces of powder / shavings visible. The rubber boot on the primer button was cracked and "rotted" pretty badly on the side nearest the engine, other than that it looked pretty good.
The new pump made a definite difference in sound and at least a small difference in performance, the "growling" that I always heard in the 3rd-4th shift canyon and assumed was normal is gone, canyon is now just a hole (still a deep one though
) and truck is noticeably more responsive. The clatter under load seems to be gone, at least based upon my proprietary "wind resistance check". I will hook up the horse trailer this weekend and see how it does under a good pull.
I was awful tempted to open up the pump and see what condition the innards are in, but it might be useful for an emergency spare so I have restrained my curiosity. At least, so far.....
I had planned to change it out at the time, but due to illness I have not been towing much and under normal driving there didn't seem to be a problem so I procrastinated. During recent fuel filter change I noticed some bronze powder / shavings in the bottom of the canister (arrrgggh, only one place for them to come from) so this week I took the truck in to Cummins and had the pump replaced.
They charged me $149. 38 for the pump and $120 for labor. Sure is irritating to have to pay people to do things like this that I routinely did myself before, but as usual the Cummins guys did a great job and cleaned the engine up nicely so I can't complain too awful much I guess. Well actually when I think about how many . 22 bullets I could have bought for $120 I might be able to complain just a LITTLE
The old lift pump seemed to be in OK shape, actuator didn't bind or anything but there were slight traces of powder / shavings visible. The rubber boot on the primer button was cracked and "rotted" pretty badly on the side nearest the engine, other than that it looked pretty good.
The new pump made a definite difference in sound and at least a small difference in performance, the "growling" that I always heard in the 3rd-4th shift canyon and assumed was normal is gone, canyon is now just a hole (still a deep one though
) and truck is noticeably more responsive. The clatter under load seems to be gone, at least based upon my proprietary "wind resistance check". I will hook up the horse trailer this weekend and see how it does under a good pull. I was awful tempted to open up the pump and see what condition the innards are in, but it might be useful for an emergency spare so I have restrained my curiosity. At least, so far.....
