Pusher Pump question -

[KatDiesel]

Something I have noticed lately, was just curious if anyone else has experienced this?



I have the Carter 4600 mounted back by the tank to push. Even with some rubber between the pump and the frame I can still hear it whining away so I know its working. Its tapped into the stock lift pump via a relay for power and ECM control.



When the grid heaters are cycling, its almost as tho the pump cycles to, I hear it, then I don't hear it.



Has anyone else expereinced this? Just wondering if its a normal thing or not. Or is it a sign my battaries are getting tired?

 

[abledog]

I don't have a rear mounted pump but when the grid heaters cycle on my truck you can watch the fuel pressure drop!!!

The grid heaters put such a large load on the electrical system theres not enough juice left for the fuel pump.

The weather here in my part of the country rarely gets cold enough for the grid heaters so i'm not to concerened.



Terry

 

[LSMITH]

The voltage drops dropping the speed of the pump. DC pumps are controlled in speed by voltage (field strength). There is nothing to fix, and nothing to worry about.

 

[KatDiesel]

Thanks, I knew it had to do with the load pulled by the heaters but just wanted to make sure nuthing to worry about.



I don't have a fuel pressure gauge which is why I asked. (I have a temp gauge I hook up every so often). I know shame shame on me



I'm looking at adding a fuel pressure/boost gauge (for back pressure) soon.

 

[WeirCummin]

KAT, I've noticed the same thing when the grid heaters come on, which is rare in this part of the country. When the temp is low enough for the heaters to cycle after the engine is running my fuel pressure will drop to zero and come right back up when the heater shuts off. I'm in the process of wiring the grid heater ground circuit to a pressure switch that will open on oil pressure rise and stop the heaters from cycling once the engine is running.



Dean

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Here's another little tidbit you guys may or may not know... The ECM duty cycles the lift pump during cranking. This is to eliminate a hard starting condition if the pressure is too high. So be sure to wire your pusher pumps using a relay triggered by the factory lift pump circuit.



BOMB ON

 

[Chipstien]

I agree with everyone else. I can watch my volt guage drop over 2 volts when the heaters come on.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Evan...

I wired my lift pump as you suggested. It worries me that the relay will "prematurely"wear out due to all of the "cycling" at start up. Have you had any problem there?

 

[Cliffman]

Don't worry Kat

I too have my pusher pump mounted on the frame with a rubber buffer between them and I can still here my pusher pump run. When the heater grid comes on the pusher pump drops in RPM and them comes back up when the heater grid goes off.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Steve,



I have not seen any problems with the relays, but I have had a couple of pusher pumps fail. Usually happens within 15,000 miles. Have had good luck with a single pump mounted on the frame though. We have been using the Carter 4601HP right in front of the tank, with all new lines in the system. Have had zero failures.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Thanks Evan...

That makes me feel good because what you suggest, with zero failures, is the system on my truck now and it has not failed either.