Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transfer Pump

[RPhillips]

This is a first. I have never posted before, just read through. I have only been a member since last fall. I really like my deisel, and its power band is unreal.

Now for my question. I have 22k on my 2002 2500 turbo diesel ext cab 8 ft bed. I have had both rear seals replaced at 18k but that's ok, I think. sort of like break in woes. I was left standing two weeks ago in 10 below zero weather (no heater) to wait for the tow truck because my "transfer pump" went out. I am not diesel wise yet, but i am trying. Is this the same as the "lift pump" i keep reading about? and NO, i don't have any gauges yet. Is this normal or should i be looking for other happenings.

Dodge happy in Somerset PA

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Yes, that is the lift pump. Unforetunately it does die with regularity. You can do a search on lift pump in here and get weeks worth of reading. First thing is to add a fuel pressure gauge so you can monitor it. There are a number of different solutions out there to deal with the issue.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

At 10 below zero, fuel gelling might have contributed as well - consider looking into an anti-gelling fuel additive - the best pump in the world will have problems pumping slush!

 

[RPhillips]

yes, gelling was my first thought, I got the truck home heated it, no success. It was the pump. I thought of the fuel first, always bought good fuel and used additives if I thought there would be a problem. also new fuel filter. I was just on the chat room and got a good answer - carry a spare?

 

[RPhillips]

I just thought about your idea of adding a fuel gauge, which I have read alot about. My queation is, how is this going to help the problem. If it goes bad, it goes bad? At what point can a guage aide you? You are driving down the road with enough to observe without watching a fuel gauge, right? Is their a relevent warning point that sticks out? thanks Roy

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Usually the pump will start dieing and have low fuel pressure for a while before it downs the truck. I drove my truck for over 10,000 miles with 0 psi of fuel pressure before we knew about the lift pump problems. A mechanic had a hard time getting the truck primed after a filter change (took an hour and a half) and 10,000 miles later the TSB for bad lift pumps was released and I put a pressure gauge on it and found out it was 0 all the time - truck was still running. So you will usually be driving on a bad pump for a long time before you are shut down because of it. I just look at mine periodically - like after every fill up.

 

[RPhillips]

Thanks, Steve, now that makes sense. I will go for the guage. Roy