Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) tired of lift pump failure

[Wes Kohler]

I own a 1998 Dodge and after 4 lift pumps I chose to buy a F. A. S. S was easy to install and all parts needed to install were in the kit. Big selling point for me was the ability to plumb in coolant to heat the fuel system. I live in northern Montana and the temp drops into the -20's in the winter. In my opinion the problem with the stock lift pump is in poor filtration before the lift pump. With out filtration the stock pump which is better designed to push fuel fails. In reviewing the amount of time and money I have spent moveing the stock lift pump and installing a pusher pump I really wish I had purchased the F. A. S. S sooner. I have to stress the point that the fass kit is probably easier to install than the stock lift pump.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The REAL proof will be in several 10's of thousands of miles down the road - don't wanna crow TOO loud, until you're SURE the fix IS a fix...



Good luck!

 

[seagrave2001]

Did you see the thread over the DTR site about the newer fass pump that is filterless? NEW FASS II PUMP

 

[Wes Kohler]

I did see the new FASS II but I think that the filtration may be better than the stock filter. I hope that is the case and I also hope the kit I bought will be better than the stock system I have 138k on my dodge and have replaced 4 lift pumps and finally one injector pump spendy items.

 

[Ncostello]

Carter OEM pumps are the wrong pump for long term diesel engine application.



Moving them back, providing filtration and water seperation before the pump, making lines bigger, removing restriction etc etc etc does not really help them. If any of that does help it... it only makes a pump which is sitting on the fence (between marginal and junk) lean slightly more towards marginal.



No matter how many miles people get on a stock setup... or how many miles someone gets after a pusher pump is installed... I believe its pure luck they last that long. Carters are far too small and cheaply constructed to run continuous on a diesel engine. No amount of tinkering can make the Carter a reliable setup. (my opinion).



Bottom line... Cummins messed up when the didn't design the VP44 to pull its own fuel. They also messed up when they ditched the mechanical 12V style lift pump. Its really hard to believe the difference between running and not running... and the difference between keeping $2000 or spending $2000 on an injection pump is based on this tiny cheap little Carter pump. I used to have radio control cars as a kid with way better motors than this pump.



As to the FASS... it can't be worse. So maybe there is a good chance it will solve the problems.

 

[RAndrae]

anything but

buy a fass or airdog whatever..... the stock one is junk

 

[Mad Bomber]

I found that after adding the FASS the system still had a problem. I was told that the filtering in the pick up assembly (VERY FINE SCREEN) would cause a restiction. I dropped the tank,cut screens out and problem was solved. Thanx for tip from the RIPSTER

 

[GFrance]

As soon as my original stock lift pump fails I'll put on the spare that I carry. Maybe by then I'll be out of debt enough to afford the Rasp mechanical pump. The Rasp is pricey but IMHO it is a much better alternative than another electrical pump.

 

[Mad Bomber]

True but it's pretty pricey too