Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Replace Lift Pump Myself??? Source for LP?

[lbailey47]

98. 5, 2500, 5-spd manual, 140 K miles... . I've been having the loss of power problems for too long & now my daughter is off to college w/my Dodge diesel. I'm thinking about changing the lift pump when she returns for Thanksgiving break before the injection pump goes, too.....



Is this something I can do myself? (I've done fuel filter replacements & starter contact replacements) How about repair manual... ? Do I need something more than what PepBoys has?



Where's a good source for lift pumps & how much should I expect to spend?



I wish I could find a good diesel shop that I could trust!

(Corpus Christi, TX)

 

[Cliffman]

You can do it dude. I did my 1st from underneath and my 2nd from the top side. Top side is much easier but you pretty much have to go by feel. All you need is a good pic of the pump and where it's located. You can do it lying down on top of the engine compartment with your right hand. Left hand is useless. Order your pump from Cummins. Search this forum for the latest part #. Don’t trust the part monkeys

 

[pwr2tow]

You will need the lift pump and the pig tail for connecting the wire harness on 98. 5' and 99's, unless you can get them as a kit now. The last number from cummins (that I am aware of) ends in 105, I can not remember the prefix number right now, also if it comes in kit form that would be a different number.



I have found if you have long enough arms that on the 98. 5 models and 99's you can stick your right arm down behind the brake booster and your left arm down between the brake booster and fuel filter. It is a tight fit for your right arm but after you have it down so far it goes pretty easy, this way you can work with both hands. Also you will need something to stand on beside the truck to elevate you, I used a two runge step ladder. Any time you work on a vehicle always protect the paint from scratches.



EDIT:: Buy the pump from cummins, it should be around $125. 00-$175. 00

DC will charge you an arm and a leg for it, save the arm and change it yourself.



Ron

 

[lkuykendall]

I prefer to work from the top when changing the lift pump. I have found that it is much easier to work on if you will lake the fuel filter housing loose from the engine. If I remember correctly, there are 2 bolts that hold it, once they have been removed, you can leave everything connected to the filter and move it enough to work around.



The last lift pump I bought for my 2001 was from Cummins South Plains (about 3 months ago), part #3990105. I don't have the price with me but it was right around $130.



Good luck!

Len

 

[Thomas]

Cummins part numbers:



3990105 Pump, Fuel transfer

4025182 Connection, Electrical (the pigtail)

3935171 WASHER, Sealing (4 needed)

 

[lbailey47]

I'm thinking that I'll change the LP & if that doesn't fix it... then the next step is the injection pump which would be beyond my capability.



I know about laying on top of the engine to put the top bolt in on the starter..... I laid a flat wide board across the engine & stood on a short step ladder.



At 56 yr. old, auto mechanic work seems a lot harder than it was when I was 18.

 

[jrandol]

Its a piece of cake, probably about 1/2hour job or so. When I bought my 1st one Cummins was almost 1/2 the price that the local Dodge dealer was for the same pump.

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

Went yesterday to price one. Cummins part number 3990105 cost to one of the Cummins shops here was $148 and some change and that's what they were going to sell it to me for. If this is your first try then it's probably going to take a little while longer. Check out www.dodgeram.org for some good info on the procedure (there are links but I don't remember exactly where the instructions are). It's not too bad and if you are half way mechanical you can pull it off. I did my change out and did it OK. . although there were more than a few 4-letter-words floating around the hood of my truck that afternoon.



Reb [><]

 

[RBSOB]

lbailey, do a search on "15 minute LP replacement" posted by TowPro. Excellent, step by step instructions, no laying on ground OR on top of engine. Easy access over left fender once you move the filter. Took me about 45 mins. in the rain, on my '01. But then again I'm ONLY 43, may take you somewhat longer JimG

 

[Larry Willard]

Kwik Kurt has the best price I know of

 

[klaybus]

LP Replacement

It's an EZ do it yourself job. Save your ca$h on labor! I helped my brother in law change his out tonite. As stated earlier, remove the (2) bolts that hold the fuel filter assy and this provides a hole to work through from the top side of the engine. I was working from the top side over the engine. On a 1-10 scale for difficulty, it's probably about a 3 since your working one handed. (Right Handed)

I should note, it was about a 45 minute to 1 hour task the first time. Don't know what the dealer would get to do it, but I'm sure it would have been too much. Good luck. You can easily do it.



Clay