Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) My buddy needs help

[AFoulk]

My buddy just called me tonight and he has a bit of a problem. Hes replacing the lift pump on a 01 for a guy, and he already bought the one that mounts on the block. When he called me, he said that it has an aluminum block mounted in the spot on the block and wanted to know what that was. I said that sounds to me like it had the pump replaced under warranty before and has the new intank style lift pump. I said I think his only options are, get a drawstraw for the tank, and then the guy is only gonna be able to run it down to a quarter tank before refueling and mount the new pump he got either on the engine or along the frame (which the guy doesn't wanna spend the money to do). I said his other option was to mount the lift pump in the factory location and try and find a old style fuel tank module for it. Am I right on all of this? Anyone have a used module they would be willing to sell?

 

[Cummins724]

He wouldn't need to fill up at a quarter tank unless the draw straw was not installed properly. I run my truck a few times in the bottom of the red "E". Personally I would tell him to get a aftermarket pump, but if money won't allow... the draw straw is a good idea.

 

[3grumpy]

I don't know but If mine goes should I replace the stock pump with a FASS or something of the sort. What are your thoughts on this. Thanks Chuck

 

[AFoulk]

I just figured that without having the drawstraw installed in the fuel module with the factory baffeling, climbing a steady grade or descending one, the fuel would move away from the drawstraw. I myself have one of Vulcans installed in my fuelmodule and can run it down to E, but I don't have the newer module with the lift pump in it.

3grumpy, there are so many options out there now. I wouldn't even bother with a factory style pump as they are barely even adequet for stock power output. Glacier has a very good quality pump. Some guys have also had luck with the Holley blue or black pumps. These are probably the cheapest alternatives. Next on the list would be a FASS or Airdog "Raptor" pump. These are just the pumps them selves, not the units with the filters. Next would be the FASS and Airdog systems with the filters that also seperate the water and air from the fuel. These aren't cheap, but I myself like having the extra filtering capacity of them. Many guys can go 30,000miles or more on one set of filters... basically just run them till you see your fuel pressure gauge starting to read consistantly lower. There are also some belt driven pumps, but they don't seem to be as popular. Lastly, the most expensive, but probably most reliable route would be to swap in a reground cam or F1 Helix cam with the lift pump lobe on it and mount a 12v style mechanical pump on the block. These seem to rarely ever fail. I have a FASS system with the filters, but if I had to do it over again, I'd go with the Airdog. Its much cheaper, does the same thing, most guys say are a little more reliable, and the customer service is top notch.