Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What the dealer just told me about lift pumps

[Bob4x4]

Mingoglia,The truck loves Olds. It is not as steep as it used to be but you don't see many pick ups at the top. Back on topic... The lift pumps are still on restriction. This means that the tech must test pressures and restriction,fuel quality,and for signs of tampering,then call star and relate spec,s to star agent,that agent will the n make decision to send you a pump or go back and do more testing. It is up to the service managers discretion on if and how much the tech will get paid for his test time. They generally are very tight with this time fearing an audit from D/C more than whether or not the tech is fairly compensated for his time spent on required testing. I hope this helps you understand why it is so tough to get a simple job done.



Bob

 

[Pit Bull]

Bob that's interesting. How long does it take a mechanic to check? I can check my LP with a manual gauge in less than 10 minutes. that includes the road test and taping the gauge to the windshield.

 

[Mingoglia]

Does anyone know the best number to call to try to get Dodge to authorize a lift pump? I sat on hold for 30 minutes calling a general phone number off their web site... can I call the "star" line direct? If so, does anyone have the number?



I'm tired of having zero fuel pressure and the dealer telling me that there's nothing they can do.



Also, any recommendations for getting service done in the Phoenix metro area?

 

[CFAR]

If you decide to take the truck in when you can't prime the lp after filter change, I would be careful. You never know what the dealers response will be. It would probably be better imho to just buy a new lp from cummins, then you get to keep your old one, true it isn't up to snuff, but if you are in the boondocks and the new lp the dealer installs quits completely and you lose prime... Well lets just say you might be a walkin.



Thats what I decided to do, now I have a spare, true I can pull it down to 0psi at wot, but it will get me home. The dealer won't let you have the old one.



If you let the dealer replace your filter, not cheap I would imagine then he will discover for himself that your lp is weeeeak.

But at a probable cost of around $75 you're half way to a new lp from cummins.



Just my opinion

lol

 

[Mingoglia]

The dealer can tell that my fuel filter is fine because there's no difference between pre and post filter. My LP actually can barely prime itself --just barely. I was thinking about doing it myself but 100 degree weather just snuck up on me here in AZ... I tend to work as little as possible on my vehicles during summer... this is why I put new brakes, oil, fuel filters, coolant, rear diff fluid, etc on all my vehicles before summer... I'm not looking forward to replacing my lift pump for the first time during this weather... Let's just say wrenches would-a-be flyin'. I get very frustrated when I'm hot. But yeah, having the dealer do the work doesn't give me a warm and fuzy.

 

[Bob4x4]

Pit Bull. It doesnt take too long,but having to check the restriction and test driving when you already know what the results will be is a bit of a waste. Remember 95 % of all techs are paid flat rate. The house never looses. The tech takes the beating and sometimes it rolls down hill to the customer. When you are trying to help as many people as you can in a day,with presure comming at you from advisors,managers,directors,customers. Most customers don't get an accurate picture of what goes on behind the scenes.



Mingoglia,A phone number to star won't help. You must have a dealer code and your name and s/s number on file with them. They do not authorize the work,they only make sure all the proper test procedures have been performed and then ship the part to the dealer. If your service dept. has blown you off,the next step is to discuss it with the dealer principle. If you are mechanicaly inclined it won't take you long to change the pump on your own. I lived in Tucson for a couple of years back in the 70s so I know how you feel about working in the summer. Good luck, Bob

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Bob4x4



Remember 95 % of all techs are paid flat rate. The house never looses. The tech takes the beating and sometimes it rolls down hill to the customer.

Bob that sucks What can we as the customer do to make this a positive experience for the tech and for ourself? Any suggestions would be educational and maybe help everyone concerned. Thanks

 

[Bob4x4]

What has worked best for me is to try and talk to all of my customers first hand and get to know them and let them get to know me. Trust and understanding go a long way. There tends to be a lot of miscomunication by the time the tech gets the repair order. Sad to say though there are a lot of people, Techs and customers both that just don't care about the other. Hope this helps create a little more understanding.



Bob

 

[CFAR]

Mingoglia,



How hot is it at midnight?



Just kidding.



Early morning, shouldn't take you more than about 15-20 minutes. I can do it in 10 but I've done it a few times.



Lets see you will need:

17mm open end wrench for the banjo on the back of the lp.

A pair of pliers or you can use you fingers to remove the clamp that holds the rubber hose on the fuel filter canister.

a 10 mm socket and open end wrench to remove the 3 nuts that hold the lp to the bracket, and another size don't remember, to remove the brace for the fuel line.



Disconnect the elec plug before anything else.



Once you get the lp out of the truck you can pull the other banjo off the old lp and put it on the new.



lol

 

[Mingoglia]

Thanx... it will cut the time down a little knowing the tools I need. I assume I have to prime the system by pumping the starter just as I do when I change the fuel filter? Anything else special that I need to know?



Oh, in the summer time, it'll still be 105 degrees at midnight...

 

[CFAR]

Just your old pump will be full of fuel!

 

[Bob4x4]

The mounting nuts are 13's the bolt for the line bracket will take a 10. The nuts may not come off the studs. The studs may pull out of the pump instead. You might want to have some sealing washers on hand in case you drop some in your midnight swap. It will all make sense once you have started the job. Good luck,

Bob