Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Problem with fuel filter change

[Lunkerman]

It was time to change my fuel filter again, so after reading Bob Pattons article in the recent TDR magazine I thought I'd give it a try following his instructions. Prior to this I have just been replacing the filter and not draining the canister. I drained it completly and cleaned the bottom of the canister as he said and inserted the new filter and O ring, and covered it back up. I did the 5 bump the starter thing and tried to start it but nothing. Unscrewed the cap to check the canister for fuel and "EMPTY" :--) so I left the cap off this time and repeated the priming process but no fuel was entering the canister but I could hear the pump working. So I had to fill the canister with some kerosene that I had cause no one was home to go get diesel fuel! After some time of cranking it over it finally started! Now I'm wondering if it will stay running or after the fuel in the canister is depleted the truck will die on my way to work Monday! Never had a problem with this til now. I'm also running a Edge EZ and the truck runs strong! Do you think my pump is heading South!!??



John

 

[dnesbitt3]

time for new lp

your lift pump is bad. Even though it runs the vanes are not pushing fuel up to the filter. Your truck will continue to run, the VP44 will pull fuel now that you have it primed. You need to get the lp replaced ASAP. I didn't catch on to why I was having to prime my fuel filter the last 2 times and now I am the proud owner of a new lp and VP44.



Peace,

Don<><

 

[Lunkerman]

OK, now I understand. I wonder how long my pump hasn't been working? I've read some posts in the archives on how to change one myself so my next question is where can I purchase a LP at a reasonable price other than the dealer? didn't see much on Ebay.



John

 

[Thomas]

Buy from Cummins. You need the pump and four washers for the banjo bolts. No pigtail needed model year 2000.



Cummins Service Locator

 

[Truckie]

Check with your local dealer, and check with your local Cummins shop, if no local Cummins shop most big rig shops will also have the lift pump. If not they can order it in for ya.

As far as price goes it can vary, Iv heard prices from $ 122. 00 to as high as $160. 00 so call and check around.



MIKE

 

[djacy99]

And get a fuel pressure gage. It might save an injection pump. The big bucks.

 

[Walt-L]

I just bought a LP from a Cummins dist. in IL. www.hoeslidiesel.com The 01 pump #3990105 $129. 00 Make sure you tell them you need 4 washers #3963983 (sent me only 2) Plus, they gave me super price's on oil/fuel filters. Thanks to the guy who posted this distributor earlier.

By the way, after doing the LP and filter, I think the filter canister needs a air bleed valve on top like the 6. 5 Chevy has. The Stanadyne (GM) fuel filter was a pleasure to change compared to this! I suppose if you bought the metal filter cap and put a valve on the top with a barb, you could do it the Chevy way. Basicaly you would open the vale on top AND the drain. conect a tube to the vale barb on top and blow in about 4psi of aif. This completly blows the can empty. RnR the filter, close the drain, put a bottle at the end of the bleed tube on top and start the bumpin process. Once there is a steady, clean (no air) flow of fuel into your bleed off bottle, close the top valve and your done! For the simple cost of a beed off valve there are all these issues, does the LP work?, is there STILL air in there? Realy guys, I was spoiled with the GM set up. It won't be long before I mod this bunp n wonder procedure!

 

[Ncostello]

Call me crazy... but I don't think every time a canister fails to fill with fuel indicates a bad LP. I replaced mine after such an episode and it did the trick. However I've also had the same problem with a known good pump. For some reason an air lock is forming when this occurs and I haven't figured out why... or when it will happen.



This happens on occasion to me even though my LP is mounted below the tank level. Seems impossible but some air ahead of the pump isn't going anywhere fast. If I open the filter drain it will pick up quick. If I dont open it up it will run all day long and not prime.



The usual solution was to open the drain and allow the LP to purge air prior to the VP44. Then once its picked up close the drain and it will force pump through the VP.



Just a thought.

 

[rashwor]

Although not recommended, to get them started in a pinch, you can fill the canister with CLEAN diesel fuel and hit the key. She will most likely fire the first time and be good to go.



Flame suit on!

 

[Ncostello]

Doing that will get it going. Would I do it if I had to?? Yes.



But I do know the ISC8. 3's pumps can instantly trash themselves if you prefill and have a particle of crud in the fuel. The VP's are not too far behind although the injectors themselves can pulverize micro particles and pass them.



Guess it depends on what you consider clean fuel. Pump fuel in a clean can is not clean fuel. That is the same fuel you have to filter when you put it in the truck. But in a pinch I'd still do it rather than be stranded.



Not flaming here. Maybe just saying you could "bench" filter the fuel with something before pouring. Perhaps some 5 micron filter paper would work if you had a supply handy for such needs.

 

[mhenon]

Quick check!

I've checked my lift pump a few times by bumping the starter... just to get the lift pump working. Then jump out and crack the drain line on the fuel filter. The fuel "shoots" out with some force (if the lift pump is alive).

Don't know if this is a recommended proceedure or not... but it works.



Mike