Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New Fuel Filter - No Start - Help!

[KVaughn]

I have read many posts regarding the issue of installing a new fuel filter and not being able to start the truck; however, I am still not convinced that the lift pump died. Before I spend a $100 on a tow, I thought I would see what yall think. The truck has over 140K miles and I have changed the filter many times in the past and never had this problem (it always takes a little cranking, but eventually starts). Just before I pulled the canister off, I drove the truck until it warmed up to prevent a cold start. I drained the canister and replaced the filter. Probably should have poured the fuel back into the canister but didn't (like I said, this is the way I have always done it). Is there a way to prime the fuel system other than bumping the ignition between run and start? When I open the drain valve on the canister and try to start the truck I get NO fuel coming out of the line. I took the canister off and tried the same thing and get NO fuel dumping out of the filter housing. Filter was wet, but canister was not full of fuel. I cracked the nut on the first and third injector and cranked and got no fuel there either. Tried a little ether and it almost made it but died. Next step is to have it towed down to Clint's shop (ouch!). What is the best aftermarket lift pump? How difficult is it replace? Any help would be greatly appreciated.



-Keith, Golden CO

 

[SHobbs]

Keith

I helped my neighbor change his fuel filter not long ago, he had never done it so I showed him how. We had the same problem the fuel filter housing was not getting any fuel, I cracked the supply line to the VP44 nothing there either. What I had to do was fill the housing with fresh fuel, install the filter and cap and start it that way. Turned out the problem was the lift pump had gone south. He was under warranty and took it to the dealer. Another thing and I won't be the only person to tell you this but never use ether unless you have your grid heaters disabled or else there could be a big bang if they happen to come on and you really shouldn't use it anyway, JMHO. Does not say if you have a fuel pressure guage or not, if you don't have one get one. Lift pump failure can cause the VP44 to go south if you don't catch it in time. Someone else may chime in with another suggestion, but I think your lift pump is gone. Also you need to close the drain line on the filter housing before you try to start it or it will suck air into the filter housing. I am not sure about aftermarket pumps but you can find plenty of suggestions here with a search. If there is a Cummins shop nearby they will charge you anywhere from $150 and down for a lift pump. I changed mine in about 30min when it died, fairly simple procedure.

 

[KVaughn]

I'm going to fill the housing with fuel and see if that works. I wouldn't be too surprised if the LP went bad. Just seems wierd that it ran fine before I replaced the filter. I always though it would crap out somewhere in central New Mexico where cell phones don't work and the closest town is 300 miles away. I guess this situation could be worse.

 

[GKinney]

bad lift pump

KVaughn I would agree with the other post. Sounds like your lift pump is gone bye bye. I've been told by diesel mechanics that the VP44 will in fact pull its own fuel from the tank if the lift pump is not working. Will only run for a few months though before it takes out the VP44 due to lack of lube and cooling. If you haven't already, spend the $100 on a good fuel pressure gauge, best insurance you will ever buy!! Just my two cents worth.

 

[moparguy]

K, I think you're on the right track, sounds like the pump has gone north. Fill the filter housing, then disconnect the heater grids, have someone crank it over while you spray WD40 into the intake hose. WD40 isn't as liklely to cause damage, you just have to continue spray while someone cranks the engine.



Good luck, RJR

 

[KVaughn]

Thanks for the info. I will let yall know how this turns out. Might be a good excuse to get the Air Dog and might as well get the 4" pipe and AFE and the set of guages that I always wanted. Hmmmm, will the wife believe that a fuel pump cost $3000?? That new furniture might have to wait. :-laf

 

[KVaughn]

Follow up

Just to follow up on the fix to this problem. I purchased a FASS pump (pump only) from ATS yesterday and installed it in my driveway in about 1. 5 hours. The fact that is was 25 degrees and I did most of it on my back didn't help, especially when trying to work with the cold fuel hose. This could probably be installed in half the time in a shop with a lift. I followed the well written instructions, primed the line and it started up after about 5 seconds of cranking . Drove the truck up I-70 through the mountains about 20 miles and noticed that I got more power . This is likely due to running of the VP for the last few weeks (or longer, who knows). A set of guages will go on this week for insurance.

Thanks all for your input

 

[rmrc]

It's unbelieveable that we have to worry about starting these trucks after a simple fuel filter change! We spend damn near $40,000. 00 on these trucks and have to put up with this kind of crap! Along with the infamous lift pumps, steering problems, 53 blocks, ect. , ect... . If these are quality trucks I'd hate to see the other side of the spectrum!!!! Enough ranting for now!!!



I usually go to the dealer for the fuel filter change because my back prevents me from bending over the fender to get at the filter housing. In a way,,, I'd rather have someone else fool with the damn thing if it won't start after replacing the filter! An Air Dog, FASS or RASP is definitely in the near future.

 

[seagrave2001]

I know what ya mean I just put a FP gauge in mine and it was a bear to start again... It bumped the starter a couple of time and the truck started & died... I opened the fuel canister & it was half full... #@$%! At this point I knew my LP was going south... . So I bumped the starter and the fuel basically dribbled into the fuel filter... . So the LP was working but pumping very slowy & with hardly no pressure... . It finally filled up, I put the filter in, bumped the starter a few more times and after about 20sec of cranking it finally came back to life with 0 psi on my fuel Pressure gauge... So mine just took a crap... thank god I was still able to get it running again... I have a new FASS II on the way and will be installign this weekend... . So that will at least take my worries away from that... .

 

[Dfuruness]

It seems that the FASS is the best solution. Where can a guy buy one in Alberta Canada? Anyone out there have an idea? Piers? NADP?



Don