Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Low fuel level = scary low pressure to VP

[Wyomingcowboy]

This post is in response to a prior thread: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/24-valve-engine-transmission-1998-5-2002/225670-hard-start-3.html#post2232479



I think I have narrowed it down to to the fuel level in the tank and my low pressures. When the tank is 1/2 full +, the pressures will rarely drop below 15. When the fuel level is lower the pressure will drop as low as 2. I remember reading something way back in the day about people wanting to keep the fuel tank levels up to avoid wear and tear on the VP and this is exactly my situation here. Did these people ever find a solution to this?

My fuel pressures never dropped like this before I replaced the level sending unit about 2-3 months ago. What do you suppose I did to the unit in tank to cause it to suck air when the level drops? Short of pulling the bed off again and pulling the whole unit or dropping the tank, is there anything I can do? What is the Vulcan draw straw for? Will that help me here?

 

[JLandry]

It sounds like you may have a leak (break) in the fuel pickup tube (inside the tank module) somewhere below the 1/2 fuel level. If that is the problem, a Vulcan Draw Straw I would be the answer. It installs in the fuel tank module replacing the fuel pickup tube.



John L.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

My fuel pressure stays rock steady on my '01 until I run it way down low, clear down to the E. Then if I hit the brakes or throttle hard it will momentarily take a quick dive since it sucked air for a moment. I agree with JLandry there is probably something wrong with your pickup tube.