Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) new owner needs help

[Bhooper]

I recently bought a 98 24 valve, auto, 3. 54 gears with 115k miles. It has been running fantastic, once I brought it up to 105 mph just checking it out, and it had more left. Well tonight it started missing around 70 mph, and seems to be getting worse. At one point doing 60 I stepped on the gas and there was no acceleration. I have a been reading about lift pump problems and thought that could be it. Is there an after market replacement that is more reliable if that is the problem. I dont trust the local dealer here, I know if I take it there it will be very expensive. Please if someone could point me in some directions. I am not up on all the lingo so use as much English as you can please. . Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ncostello]

Welcome to the site: You'll be glad you joined.



Sure sounds like some kind of fuel delivery problem. I'm not an expert but the lift pump could be suspect, starving the fuel injetor pump, which means the injector pump could be suspect now too. But, you might change the fuel filter and see if that helps. Use the search tool and look under "lift pump" or "pusher pump". Theres a lot to read, lots of facts, opinions, and points of view from those who have done this. I've been in the same boat as you here lately being new to Dodge Cummins trucks too. I had my share of problems thus far, but this sites help is invaluable. Makes me feel like I dont need a Dodge Dealer, unless they want to give me some cash. If its been done, its on here.



And there are several alternatives to the stock lift pump setup.

 

[RADdodge]

Welcome to the TDR!



You can’t really know if it’s your lift pump without a gauge. You need to check it out ASAP to make sure your not going to damage the injection pump. A lift pump is small potatoes compared to the VP-44. I know if you do a search on lift pumps and gauges, you will be reading for weeks.



p. s. If you have a Cummins Dealer near you, you can get a new lift pump from them for about $110 or so. The part number as of 8/2001 was 3990105. It's probably been updated (again) since then.

 

[HC]

Change fuel filter first - that is easy, cheap, and probably needs to be done anyway. When mine got dirty, cut out on uphills at 70 mph, just like you describe...

 

[WyoJim]

Bhooper... . Do as HC says, change the filter... . On your '98. 5... Install the new filter empty of fuel. Loosen the 1/8 inch plug on the top of the housing nearest the front of the truck quite loose. Turn the key on and bump the starter. You will hear the pump run and fuel should squirt out the loosened fitting with one bump two bumps at the most or your lift pump has a problem. Tighten the fitting and the engine should start.



You also should install a fuel pressure guage.

 

[mikel]

Remember though that if you change the fuel filter you will introduce air to the fuel system. If your lift pump is dead *you will NOT* be able to get the engine started again.



Just an FYI and something to keep in mind when you decide where (maybe at home instead of at work) and when (some time that your local cummins shop is open and you have access to another car) you do the filter change.



I had to help a buddy that got himself in this exact situation about a month ago... . He wasn't impressed.



Good luck,

Mike

 

[Bhooper]

Thanks for all the advice, so far I have just purchased the filter and a manual at local parts. thanks again for advising.

 

[Ncostello]

Listen to Mikel:



I changed mine the day before I was going to have the lift pump checked at a dealer. Ended up having to change the lift pump myself to get it running again. I didn't want to hassle with towing it all the way to the dealer. Pretty upsetting when this happened to me on a Wednesday night at 10:00pm... . no dealer support at that hour... only people who help at that hour is TDR.

 

[Bhooper]

Hot Dogs and cool Cats

Man I cant believe it , I changed the filter, and that was it . I followed WyoJim instructions and it worked like a charm, had to crank about twenty seconds before she started, now running smooth as silk. . The old filter, being my first I dont know what a dirty filter looks like, but this one was black, I wiped the inside of the cannister out and it was black. Thanks again to all who responded , this site has already paid for itself. Before I bought my truck, I checked this site out alot and it helped there too! Later gators

 

[HC]

bhooper,



That's Great News!



This is one reason that many of us change fuel filters every 10k; we know the lift pump is a "weak" design, no sense in making it work harder with a dirty filter. And it is not uncommon for one to clog early, as both mine and yours did, before making it to the 15k "recommended change interval".

 

[Mak]

Fuel filter

I am also a fairly new owner with a 2001, 6 sp, 4x4. Is the proceedure for changing the filter the same that was described for Bhooper by Wyojim? I now have 11,000miles so it sounds like I should be making some chages. Also a second question. I would like a bit more power (I know, who doesn't) but am kind of low on cash(wife's idea). I thought of an exhaust change(least amount of $$$) but get the feeling that the chip mod is the real way to bump things up. Is it a good idea to start with the exhaust? I'm not interested in massive amounts of power but enough to keep my brother in law's Siverado HD a step behind. Thanks for any words of advice.

 

[Dave MacArthur]

Mak,



Get the Edge EZ box or if you have the extra $100 go for their Comp box. Either of these is the best bang for your buck. In my opinion you could go ahead and hook up the EZ or the Comp (without connecting the pump wire yet) and not even have to worry about spending the money on gages yet. Connecting the Comp box without hooking up the pump wire makes it run just like the EZ. It just means that when you want more power and have added gages, you can simply hook up the wire. Check the classifieds or Ebay for an EZ. I've been running my Comp without the pump wire attached and it really makes a difference. I will however hook the wire ASAP after I get around to installing gages and maybe a trany upgrade. Also, get in touch with whatever local TDR group is in your area. I'm sure someone would be glad to let you try their EZ on your truck as it only takes a few minutes to switch it over.



Dave.

 

[WyoJim]

Mak... I know the '98 and '99,s have the same filter set up, but some where they changed them.

Some one should chime in here with the proper procedure for a 2001.