Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lift pump ???'s

[jeeepxj]

I don't have a permanently installed FP gauge, but I check it periodically with one by screwing it into the schrader valve.



Idle- 10 psi

WOT- 5 psi

WOT dragging 9k trailer- 4psi

WOT w/ Blue Chip box turned up- 3psi



I know these aren't the best #'s, nor the worst. I'm pretty moderate on the right foot and I never see the gauge go lower than 6 or 7 psi on any given day of driving. The WOT #'s were just from me trying to get the lowest possible readings. The truck only has 60k miles on it. Here's the question: Is it worth my time trying to argue with the dealership for a new lift pump ? I've read many posts here saying that some dealerships will only replace it under warranty if it reads ZERO. I've called a few local dealerships trying to find out what they consider "good" pressures, and two of them didn't even know what a lift pump does so they weren't sure.



I'd just hate to spend $60-80 on a "diagnostic" check when I could just put that $$$ towards a new lift pump, but I'd also like to get warranty work done, if I have the right to it.



thanks all





craig

 

[DwayneKelch]

jeeepxj,



I had same fuel pressures under the conditions you described. Took my truck to the dealer and told the service writer the pressures I experience under various conditions. Too, I informed them I had a mechanical fuel pressure gauge, therefore I couldn't be getting an erroneous reading due to a faulty sending unit. Next thing you know, I have a new LP, and it was covered under 100K engine warranty.



Make sure you have a new fuel filter or they will try and sell you one, especially if you are sensing pressure after the fuel filter housing (outlet side of housing or inlet of VP-44).



Your pressures, as mine were, are unacceptable. Since you don't have a permanently mounted gauge, soon you will find yourself on the side of the road in a truck that will not run. I've been there, at twenty below, in my 98. 5.



Hope your local dealer is as responsive as mine was. Good luck.





Dwayne

 

[jeeepxj]

Thanks for the quick reply. What are your pressures now ??





craig

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Ditto to what Dwayne said. I have 46,000 on mine and am on the third pump. Monitor it closely and have it replaced immediately when it falls out of spec.



I am pretty sure that I will be goint to a FASS when my warranty is over.

 

[jeeepxj]

Hey Diesel Gunner, do you know what "spec" is ??





BTW, does anyone know if these readings will present any loss in power at all ??



craig

 

[DwayneKelch]

Craig,



With the new LP, I'm seeing 14. 5 at idle and can't get it below 10 WOT.



I plan to install a Wildcat max flow kit tomorrow. This should increase what I see at idle and not allow me to pull it below 12 WOT, hopefully.



After the flow kit install, I'm going to add my injectors and fueling box. Needed to get my pressures up before that or I would have pulled the LP into a vacuum and possibly damaged my injection pump.



With old LP my engine stumbled once. Really worried me so I got it into the dealer as soon as I could.

 

[dsherman]

What is a wildcat max flow kit? Is it a pump or what

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Jeeepxj



Well, I have seen posts stating that it has to be a certain flow rate and I have seen posts refer to minimum psi. The dealership here in town goes by a minimum of 10psi at idle. As soon as I have had a pump get there or get to 6psi at wot they have been happy to change the lift pump.



It is a poorly designed system and I do not delude myself into thinking that it will ever work properly. IMHO the FASS is the answer. Naturally, with the application of enough money any problem can be solved, right?

 

[2ndgen2500]

wildcat max flow, is a fuel line and fitting kit. it increases the amount of fuel that can flow from the tank to the lp and replaces the banjo fittings. and also would allow you to use a differnt pump if you would like, they are testing with a PE4200 right now.

 

[dsherman]

where can you buy one at (wildcat max flow kit) and how much are they?

 

[DwayneKelch]

dsherman,



Contact Rod at Wildcat Diesel... www.wildcatdiesel.com





Dwayne

 

[dsherman]

Thank you

David