Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) P7100 wear, how do you know?

[GAmes]

Is there any indication when the injector pump has worn out, other than failure? Mine is still humming along, with a nice tailwind across Wyoming today I used 16 gallons from Evanston to Cheyenne... ... . 22 mpg. I know when the lift pump started to wear out it started to click. What does the injection pump do?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

GAmes, I think plungers wear and bleed diesel around them during injection. What sort of symptoms you get I don't know, but I'd guess lower MPG, more smoke especially blue when cold, and uneven or reduced idle quality. If your pump is going south, I'm sure you'd see some signs.

My former neighbor is a diesel injection mechanic here in town. He said he's seen P-pumps shot at 200k, and others with 400+ with virtually no wear. So fuel quality and care probable determine lifespan more than the number of miles.

 

[GDMRTN]

I had bought a truck with 638,xxx miles and it still ran sweet. And the previous owner had several guys who ran it and nobody took care of it. I think some pumps are built better. Vaughn is rite on what he says for symptoms.

 

[GAmes]

Thanks for the replies. I still have easy starts, smooth idle and good mileage when empty. I have been getting lower mileage while towing, but it could be the winter blend fuel.