Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) LP hookup problem

[Brashear]

Just installed a new LP but can't get it to pump. The line to the tank is empty. Do I have to prime it?

 

[Bruce Banister]

Just installed a new LP but can't get it to pump. The line to the tank is empty. Do I have to prime it?

I just replaced my LP today. I followed the instructions that TowPro put out in his "change a lift pump in less then 30 min!" post. I have a bleed port located at the end of the grease gun hose I have my pressure gauge plumbed to from the schraeder valve on the VP-44. I just opened that up and manually cycled the new pump - quick bump of the starter w/o letting the engine start, key off then key back on and pump will run for 25 seconds or so - repeated three or four times to push air bubbles thru the filter and lines - caught the fuel in a bucket. Closed off the bleed port and did the bump and cycle four or five more times to be sure I had most of the air out of the lines and VP-44 input. Then cranked it for real and it fired with a minumum of rattyness and settled down in less than 10 seconds. Note: During the second set of bump and cycles the FP gauge only read about 6 pounds. On fire up it went to 15 at idle.



Check to be sure the quick disconnect on the pump input is tight and not sucking air, that banjo gaskets are on both sides of the bolt/banjo and the bolts are snug but not over tightened. Can you hear the pump running? I'll assume that you didn't have to do any rewiring on the pump's power plug and that it wasn't accidentally wired backwards. I don't think the plug can be inserted backwards without breaking the connector - Is the plug snapped in tight? If you don't have air leaking in on the inlet side of the pump and you hear it running it *should* self prime if there is any reasonable amount of fuel in the tank. Let us know if you got it running yet or not.