Lift pump Sx

[BRUTUS]

Lift Pump Symptoms



On the advice of TDR members I ordered a spare lift pump from Cummins, to be carried in the 'spares box' before going on long trips away from home. We'll be "doing the Pacific Coast Highway" next week. The service manual has been ordered and is pending arrival.

How can I tell if the lift pump quits? Sudden or gradual signs? Early warnings? Total power loss?



Also, is there an ignition activated wire or fuse under the hood near the battery on the drivers side? I need to connect a solenoid to an extra battery in the camper.



Kindly indulge this uninformed newbie

Thanks

 

[Shovelhead]

GAUGES, GAUGES, GUAGES.



Should be your first "BOMB".



EGT, and fuel pressure are most important. IMO

 

[dresslered]

Brutus-

The worst thing about the lift pump failures is that they are often a very slow death. You can actually drive around for quite a while without noticing anything overly unusual. The whole time your injection pump might be taking its tole with extra wear due to lack of lubrication. Eventually, you will start to notice poorer fuel mileage, lack of power, and then final engine sputtering. I watched my pump slowly degrade over the last 10,000-miles before finally changing it due to lift pump pressures alone (I never noticed any of the above symptoms). Do like Shovelhead suggests and get a gauge.



P. S. Run a new "heavy gauge" wire directly from the battery. I used the "switched" Cigar lighter circuit to toggle the relay.

 

[BRUTUS]

Thank you

Thank you shovelhead and David!



Looks like the fuel pressure gauge will be the next project after we get back from our trip.



David, the battery charging rig has been connected and seem to be working.

The lighter socket was a challenge to get out. Having been used to the ones that unscrew... Telling my age here.

Also all the new constant solenoids at the FLAPS are made in China with plastic housings. Since I don't trust either, I wound up at a marina getting one made in the USA . It is coated and waterproofed even... Pricy, but worth the peace of mind.

Now I need one of those snorkle air intakes to test it

 

[dresslered]

BRUTUS-

You are better than me! I never did get my Cigar lighter out (I think the truck was built around it). I removed the dash and spliced into it from behind. I actually ran this circuit to a breakout box for additional "switched" accessories with much smaller fuses. Great for things like gauges, 2-LO kits, camper solenoid, etc. Have fun on your trip!