New to us 2003 question

[SRehberg]

We just purchased a new to us 2003 2500 automatic 4x4, so being a 12 valve owner this is all new. Going through the threads a common refrain seems to emerge that indicates there is a higher than normal incident of problems with injectors and fuel pumps. Am I mis-reading this and are there other issues I should watch for? Thanks!

 

[JJPage]

The stock fuel filter canister mounted lift pump is weak, better off replacing it with an aftermarket system. Glacier Diesel Power has several replacements, and Richard the owner is very helpful in helping you choose what's right for you.



As far as injector failure, the 04. 5+ years had more than the 03/04 yrs. The biggest problem is lack of proper filtration, the stock filter is 10 microns, the new replacement is 7 microns, and Bosch recommends 5 microns. Again Richard could help you with a 2 micron setup.



Other than that, enjoy your new truck. If you look on the driver's side valve cover, you will be able to tell which 03 you have. 230hp, 250hp, 305hp. All are excellent, and a Smarty will level the playing field.



Jess

 

[jelag]

I've done 2 things to my old trucks... .

1 - install the lift pump in the tank, and haven't had a problem with all stock engines...

2 - installed a 10 micron primary filter and a 2 micron secondary filter on the frame..... we drain the water from the primary filter every 3 months, and chance the filters once a year... since installing this filter we've not changed the stock filter...

We've checked fuel pressure after the filters at installation and found that a year later the filters were still passing full flow and pressure before the change... ... ...

BTW - these are high mileage trucks and we purchase fuel all over the west coast. .

Hope this helps...

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the replies and the great information. We'll definitely upgrade the fuel system to avoid any problems, as parking alongside the road somewhere for a preventable problem is no fun. Thanks!

 

[ray1933]

I just had the FASS 95 Fuel pump installed to get away from the worry of the stock pump going out and I use Amalgamated fuel additive. < this pump does not go in the tank, mounts of a cross member of the bed. . ,see photo below

The rest of what I have done with the truck is in my signature block below.



We run about 18 mpg empty and 9 to 11 pulling the 5th wheel.



We started with a 91, then a 95 and now our 03 and have been pleased with all of them.

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the reply and the great pictures; a very neat and clean installation for the fuel pump. The last thing we need is a pump failure out in the middle of no where! We are going proactive and replace that sucker!

 

[AABEN]

I have an 03 that has never had any pump trouble. I run a little howes treat and 1oz of Tc-w3 per gal of fuel. I by it at wally world best price. If you would like to see a good wright on it go to mopar 1973mans.com Good luck with your new rig

 

[Regcabguy]

I've done 2 things to my old trucks... .



1 - install the lift pump in the tank, and haven't had a problem with all stock engines...



2 - installed a 10 micron primary filter and a 2 micron secondary filter on the frame..... we drain the water from the primary filter every 3 months, and chance the filters once a year... since installing this filter we've not changed the stock filter...



We've checked fuel pressure after the filters at installation and found that a year later the filters were still passing full flow and pressure before the change... ... ...



BTW - these are high mileage trucks and we purchase fuel all over the west coast. .



Hope this helps...

In your setup,the stock in tank pump is pumping through the 10 and 2 micron filters? No aftermarket help pump?

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the note about the additives and where to buy them. With the 12valve I never use a thing but to keep the '03 injectors clean maybe it's needed? We just discovered the oil filter looks like fun A little tighter than we were use to LOL



Thanks.

 

[ray1933]

Oil filter

Thanks for the note about the additives and where to buy them. With the 12valve I never use a thing but to keep the '03 injectors clean maybe it's needed? We just discovered the oil filter looks like fun A little tighter than we were use to LOL



Thanks.

I use the cup type removal tool that fits on the bottom with a 1/2 drive ratchet and extension and can do this one easier than I did on the 95.



Ray

 

[JRMora]

Thanks for the reply and the great pictures; a very neat and clean installation for the fuel pump. The last thing we need is a pump failure out in the middle of no where! We are going proactive and replace that sucker!

Yeah, good advice.



After the stock LP cratered on the highway at 5 am in the boonies at 80,000 miles, they installed a tank mounted pump retofit kit.



Of course, it failed 31,000 miles later in the middle of nowhere, too...



Some guys have all the luck.



Juan

 

[HBarlow]

I haven't owned an '03 but did own an '06 HPCR that I put 230k miles on hauling commercially. I never experienced a lift/transfer pump or injector problem with it. By model year '06 the transfer pump was mounted in the tank. The only fuel system part that was ever replaced while I owned it was an FCA (fuel control actuator).

I never used any fuel additive whatsoever except an occasional bottle of Power Service anti-gel when winter temps were below 15*F.

This comment may cause some angry response but IMO many (most?) HPCR injector failures are related to performance upgrades. My '06 never had a magic black box or other performance upgrade installed. The entire fuel system was factory stock.

 

[SRehberg]

It seems the 80,000 mile mark is the beginning of the time the LP can say good bye and leave a person walking. I suppose the longer mileage pumps are just the luck of the draw? Either way we're replacing it before it bites us.



Ray1933 thanks for the tip on the oil filter, it looked like it had to go out the bottom since the air filter/fender etc were so close. Hopefully it drains back so it isn't a face full of oil!