Need help in Colorado

[Cliffman]

Sold my 94 auto to my brother-in-law who lives in Berthoud Colorado. We think the lift pump is going south and he’d like to replace it. We have the lift pump, just need some help installing it. Thought the rocky mountain TDR members might want to lend a hand or know of a good shop close by.



Thanks

 

[Howard Durand]

I'm not anywhere near the Rockies but will reply anyhow.

You didn't say what made you believe the lift pump is bad but If I were going to change out mine, I would remove the starter and disconnect the front drive shaft so you can easily reach up from below for pump removal.

While you are at it, make sure and replace all of the fuel line hoses.

If this hasn't been done already, I am sure they will need to be replaced by now.

I just did mine and the return line was real bad.



You will find several posts on this forum dealing with lift pumps and fuel line problems.



Good luck.

 

[Stefan Kondolay]

I know of a good guy in Greeley/CO. He is a fellow TDR member. His # is 970-356-6444. He may be able to give you a hand. His name is Bob Berends. I know he has a 95 dodge so he might have already done this job.

 

[Nordby]

Go to Rocky Mountain Cummins, on 1-76 East and 96th street. They have genuine cummins lift pumps. For my 1992, it was $70 - made in USA by Carter.



NAPA wanted the same amount for a cheaper replacement part.



later, jon.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by Howard Durand

I would remove the starter and disconnect the front drive shaft so you can easily reach up from below for pump removal.

While the shaft is down, grease the spline joint.

 

[Cliffman]

Lift Pump

Howard,



The problem we're having is the truck is hard to start after sitting for about 2 hours. If you drive to the store and it sits for about 30 minutes it starts right up. I replaced the return hose before I sold it. I'm thinking the lift pump is loosing its prime some how. I hope it's not the injector pump



Stefan,



Thanks!! That's close enough for us. Greeley only 20 minutes away



Nordby,



Good advice. I purchased the lift pump from Cummins West here in good ole California.



QRTRHRS,



We plan to do just that.





Thanks All !!!

 

[illflem]

It sounds like an air leak problem, wonder if a clamp wasn't tightened enough when replacing the hoses, they aren't the easiest thing to get at. Check the lift pump pressure before replacing, many are replaced needlessly, they seem to be one of the most popular throwing parts at it type of fix.

 

[Cliffman]

Air Leak

Air leak problem... Hemmm, I guess you mean air getting into the fuel through a loose fuel line clamp. That’s a good thought we'll check and tighten all clamps, Thanks. The truck has 160,000 miles on it so we thought it wouldn't hurt to just replace it. We checked the lift pump pressure and it's good, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the lift pump isn’t loosing it's prime over a long period of time... at least that's what we're hoping for

 

[pcorssmit]

Have you tried pushing the primer a time or two before starting?



Pete

 

[Cliffman]

Primer

Sooooo, if we push the primer a couple of times and it starts right up, that would tell me we have a problem with the truck loosing it's prime, correct?

 

[Missouri Mule]

Yes Cliffman if you were having trouble starting engine (no fuel situation), then you would use the primer. If the engine starts easier ( sometimes it still a bear to get started) you would be losing prime.

Of coures leaking fuel hoses and air leaks are a prime cause but a bad overflow valve (return fuel valve) can cause same symptoms as will the transfer pump.

The transfer pump check valves can go bad allowing fuel return to tank. Overflow valve can stick open allowing fuel to return to tank also.

When I had to prime injector pump at around thirty pumps I could hear the overflow valve opening allowing fuel to pass thru (squeaking sound).

Another way to test fuel pump and overflow valve is to do fuel pressure test. If pressure is low one can take finger (or pliers) reach under and squeeze rubber return line. If pressure goes up the overflow valve is bad if the pressure stays the same transfer (fuel) pump is bad.

Good luck

 

[Cliffman]

Question

Where the heck is the "overflow valve" located

 

[Howard Durand]

Cliffman,

The overflow valve is located at the front of the high pressure pump on the engine side where the overflow line comes out.

Remove the bolt that holds the overflow banjo to the pump and the overflow valve can be taken out.

The one in the 94 is a one piece valve. Later models are made up of two or more pieces.

 

[Cliffman]

Thanks Howard