Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Timing fuel pump failure

[Blankenheim]

I have a 1998. 5 hauling a 14,000 lb trailer. It was retrofitted with an in tank pump. The pressure gauge is reading 10psi and drops to 4 or 5 psi If I stand on it on a big hill. Question Is, how fast will this pump fall apart? I'm about 16 hours from Horicon. Wisconsin where I will have time to deal with this.

If I make it. I'll be in Horicon from the 29th of July to the 6th of Aug. I want to put in the Draw Straw II at that time and will need help in the area dropping the fuel tank. Anyone got equipment in the neighborhood to help or recommend a reputable garage in area of S. E. Wisconsin?

 

[JLandry]

Blankenheim,

I don't have an in-tank pump myself, but from everything I've read here on the forum the pressures you mention don't sound abnormal for that configuration. Have you recently noticed a drop in the overall fuel pressure that has you concerned?

But as to the longevity of the in-tank pump, some have reported it lasting well over 100,000 miles. Others have not been so lucky. It's kind of a crap shoot I guess due to the varying quality of the pump itself.

Dropping the fuel tank is a piece-of-cake though. I put off dropping mine for months to replace a faulty fuel level sending unit because I dreaded it thinking it was going to be difficult. But I finally did mine all by myself in a couple of hours out in my driveway a few weekends ago. I simply ran the fuel level down to about 1/8 tank prior to starting (but you can also siphon fuel out), then I used a small floor jack and couple of inexpensive 1" ratchet straps toward each end of the tank to progressively lower one end down at a time until I had it completely on the ground (after disconnecting the fuel lines and electrical connector on the top of the tank of course). The most tedious part was figuring out how to disconnect the fuel lines and the electrical connector without being able to see them very well. Because my truck is 2WD and sits low to the ground, I then had to turn the tank on its side to drag it out from under the truck frame... no big deal though. Some folks have reported having difficulty with corroded tank strap bolts when attempting to drop their tank, but I didn't encounter any of this thank goodness. I just sprayed the tank strap bolts with penetrating oil before loosening and they came off easily.

The ring holding the fuel module in place on top of the tank can be unscrewed using a large strap wrench available at any good tool or hardware store. A new fuel tank module should come with a new rubber gasket (which is a good idea to replace to prevent leaks) but get one separately from Dodge if not. My fuel module was such a snug fit into the new gasket that I found it necessary to lubricate the gasket lightly with silicone grease in order to seat the module fully into the gasket so the plastic retaining ring would screw back on properly.

Installation of the tank back under the truck was even easier than removing it!

Good luck,

John L.

 

[Blankenheim]

Thanks so much. I haven't had any trouble yet, but just installed the fuel pressure gauge and wasn't sure about those readings. Plan on going 16 hours starting on a Sunday and didn't want to end up stranded in the middle of Illinois. I'll print out your reply and hope for the best. Really appreciate the help.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Your pressure readings aren't as bad as mine were. I have stage 2 injectors in my truck. When I would get on the interstate I could pull my pressure to "0". With everything you read about the VP needing around 15lb of pressure I replaced my intank pump with a Walbro system.



Like John said the tank is not hard to drop. I did mine also by myself a couple of times. The key is having it as empty as possible. I used small wire ties to reliece the fitting on top of the tank. They are the hardest part of the job. Your truck might have the steel lines on it so it might be a little harder if they are rusted.



Good luck if you decide to drop you tank. If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.



Jeff

 

[Blankenheim]

thank you; My confidence is coming back in the truck I bought last year . I'll post somthing when I make a safe haven .