Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ticking noise near lift pump?

[HerbW]

I'm getting a ticking or tapping noise on the driver side of my '98 12 valve engine that is intermittant in volume. It sounds like a lifter on a gas vehicle. Could it be my lift pump push rod getting loose as it wears? That's the area I believe it's coming from. If it is a loose lift push rod, what needs changing or will it just keep on a going? Thanks. Herb

 

[BigPapa]

If you haven't already done it, change your fuel filter out and see if it doesn't help. The mechanical lift pumps are almost bullet proof and hardly ever go out.



Scott

 

[PRomine]

My 97 done the same thing, after my first tank of ULSD. I changed the filter and it went away.

 

[GAmes]

I changed my pump after it started ticking, but it had 300k miles on it.

 

[MMcCallie]

My lift pump went out at about 100,000 miles. Was having hard starts prior and definitely had the ticking noise. Finally wouldn't start even with the tank pressurized, had to be towed. Fortunately, i'd already bought a new LP from Piers and was able to take care of it that day. They may be tough but they do fail. Clogged filters make a huge difference so start there since it needs to be done regularly anyway.

 

[HerbW]

I think I should change out the fuel filter first!

well it's coming up on two years since a filter change, so I'll start there. The fuel line also has a pulsing sound when listened with an engine probe. Thanks. Herb

 

[HerbW]

The TDR Members are right on it again!

The TDR Members are right on it again! I replaced my fuel filter last night and the ticking is no more! The old one looks like a rust factory in it. Fine chunks of rust was plugging it. Curious how a plastic tank rusts. LOL Now to figure out how to change the prefilter on the lift pump. It's probably a rust sump also.

I also seem to have lost my torque converter shudder when I low speed lug it in OD. Can that be? I wonder if I had a shudder from lack of fuel quantity and just thought it was the converter? Time will tell. Thanks. Herb

 

[LtHughes]

i am like herb. how do you clean or changeout the pre-filter. mom and pop auto parts store could not even find in their book anything about the prefilter. thanks

 

[MFalkinham]

The prefilter is located just prior to the lift pump (they are connected by the 90-degree molded-rubber fuel hose). You can purchase a new screen and gasket from Cummins or from Genos Garage. The prefilter base just unscrews - easiest access is from underneath the truck or through the driver's side wheel well.

As for the rusty fuel filter, it sounds like you need to drain the water out occasionally. Actually, I'd be concerned about my injectors if I saw a lot of rust in the filter area.

 

[GAmes]

The prefilter is Cummins part # 38454000 S. They call it a strainer kit. I change mine out every 100k or so, there is hardly anything trapped in them even with that many miles. It comes with o-rings and a new nut. You could possibly remove yours and clean it, the question is how brittle is the o-ring?

 

[hsmith]

TWO years on the same fuel filter? Don't try that on a CR system.