Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lift Pump Replacement

[Iron Duke II]

Should the engine be turned b4 removing the Lift Pump so as to ensure the plunger doesn't drop inside?

 

[BigPapa]

No real need. Just lift the pump off in the direction of the plunger, slight upward angle, so as not to snag the end on the hole. There's no way to tell the position of the eccentric on the cam until you get the pump off.

Why you pulling your pump?

 

[Iron Duke II]

On driver side of the engine bay there is a ticking sound when it idles. Using a stethoscope I can isolate where the sound coming from. I think it may be due to weak return spring for the LP plunger allowing the rod to lose contact with the cam.
Already had the "Cummins" LP that was purchased from Genos a while back to carry as a spare. They included the studs and nuts to replace the bolts.
I may also look at completely eliminating the old fuel heater apparatus that the heating element was deleted from a few years ago as well. Not sure yet whether to spend money on the Larry Bs delete kit or source bits off ebay to do that.
Also plan to remove the plastic fender liner and make the cut through the metal fender well like some have shown makes access easier.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/1996-12v-4x4-ticking-noise-during-idle.266416/

 

[BigPapa]

How long since you changed your fuel filter? My '95 would start tapping a bit when I was getting close to a filter change.

For a simple test, while it's running, take a pair of pliers covered with hose or something smooth that won't damage the hose, and squeeze one of the rubber hoses on the filter side of the lift pump and see if the tapping changes. You don't want to clamp it off with vice grips, just squeeze it together and release it. If the tapping changes, you could try replacing the lift pump.

There's an awful lot going on on the left side of the 5.9 that can cause a tapping sound. The lift pump, all the tappets, the injection pump, vacuum pump, they're all on the left side. For the first 3-4 years I had my '95, I took it to anyone that would listen to it chasing what I thought were unusual engine noises. I, too, replaced my lift pump. Knocks, taps, etc. I finally talked to an old timer at Cummins and after listening to it and riding in it, he told me, "Look, these are noisy engines. Quit worrying about the noises and just drive it. If there's actually a problem, she'll let you know pretty quick." As hard as it was, I took his advice and never had a serious problem from a noise I thought was a problem.

 

[Iron Duke II]

The filter was changed in November. The Prime-Loc with Banks Twin Ram is installed. I'll try the pliers check on the line.

 

[GAmes]

The prefilter serves a useful purpose. I don't recommend deleting it.

 

[Iron Duke II]

The prefilter serves a useful purpose. I don't recommend deleting it.

When and if I do replace the LP, I am inclined now to leave the prefilter as is.

 

[Iron Duke II]

While on this topic any thoughts on something I happened on when looking up LP spring issues.

 

[Iron Duke II]

Ticking noise has ceased since the LP was replaced. Thanks