Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Mods for prolonging lift pump life?

[VIPERBLUELX]

I just bought my first Dodge Ram with a cummins last Wednesday. Well I decided to do a full service on it, (oil change, transmission service, fuel filter, BHAF). Well I got to reading about checking the fuel pressure so I hooked up my Snap-On gauge to the test port on the fuel filter canister and it showed ZERO. So I removed the valve from the port and reinstalled the gauge thinking it wasn't getting a good reading, the truck fired up gauge showed zero, then the truck shut off after about 10 seconds and wouldn't start back.



Yeah, you guessed it, the lift pump went out and wouldn't push the air out that I let in when I took the valve out.



So anyways, I've just installed a brand new Carter lift pump (had to to get the truck running quickly). What can I do to prolong the lift of this thing? I've already got a cab mounted fuel pressure gauge setup on the way, but what else do I need?

 

[keimmmo]

There will be about as many opinions on this subject as members on the TDR site! Some will recommend replacing the lift pump with something aftermarket. Some will recommend adding a pusher pump.



Personally, I just relocated the factory lift pump just ahead of the fuel tank and have added better flowing lines and fittings to maintain good pressure at the injection pump under all conditions. A Vulcan kit will give you everything you need to do the job. I like the SIMPLICITY of the system! My truck has over 155k miles on it and is on only the second lift pump in it's life!



Steve Keim

 

[VIPERBLUELX]

There will be about as many opinions on this subject as members on the TDR site! Some will recommend replacing the lift pump with something aftermarket. Some will recommend adding a pusher pump.



Personally, I just relocated the factory lift pump just ahead of the fuel tank and have added better flowing lines and fittings to maintain good pressure at the injection pump under all conditions. A Vulcan kit will give you everything you need to do the job. I like the SIMPLICITY of the system! My truck has over 155k miles on it and is on only the second lift pump in it's life!



Steve Keim

Could you give me a link to that Vulcan kit?

 

[Walt-L]

Mounting the LP off engine is the most important move, the other 2 that some have done is put a off switch on the power lead to the manifold heater. You will notice even in warm weather the LP pressure drops considerably each time the voltage dips while servicing manifold heater demand. This constant low voltage hit on the LP during warm up is another emmissions play thats rather detrimental to a electric motor that already has a load on it! The last trick would be move your fuel return line to the tank vent line. This actualy reduces LP/ IP temps a bit since the pick up line isn't drawing in the "near by" hot returning fuel at the pick up modual. Now I'm sure folks can question the overall value of these mods, but IMO, it sure can't make a marginal OEM system worse!!

 

[AFarmer]

Power by Poole big line kit and a FASS system. PM me for details.

 

[JMetzger]

Vulcan's web site is www.vulcanperformance.com

 

[02cummins]

I used the vulcan big line kit you can get it at genos garage now, very easy to install I am still using the stock lift pump 58,000 miles.

 

[keimmmo]

My original LP lasted about 90k miles. The second is still going with over 155k miles on the truck.



I bought into cooling the fuel to help the injection pump live longer. Time will tell if it actually helps. I hadn't really thought about it helping the LP life! It DID improve the fuel economy!!! In my opinion, anything that cools the fuel is good for the truck!



Steve Keim

 

[rweis]

Some thoughts,



Keep the lp contacts CLEAN. A good dose of Dielectric grease is good to do that.



Move the lp down to the frame so it can push correctly, GOOD voltage / amperage to the lp (or replace it with a FASS, RASP, or equivalent).



Larger lines like mentioned above (don't forget to make sure the return line is not the restirction to getting the hot fuel (cooling fuel) back to the tank)



Some sort of fuel lubrication additive in every tank



I have a fairly long thread about keeping the fuel cool, and I am still experimenting, but getting close to the end results.



Everytime I have asked at TDR meetings with rebuilders etc it is the same:

Super clean, free water free, well filtered (for both particulate and free water), good psi (~13. 5 psi +-3 psi), good volume (hence the Vulcan line kits or equivalent) fuel, and I add cool temperature fuel.



Bob Weis

 

[GiesJ]

Some good reading here too - https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164221