Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) When should I replace a healthy lift pump?

[birddogdave]

hey folken,

I have an 01 2500 auto with 4. 10 gears and 315 tires, 82200 miles, run it empty most of the time unless I am hunting...



My question - I was reading a thread where the guy said "I made my Dad replace his fuel pump at 80,000 miles... " Well, my VP44 has been running like a champ since the truck was new, and I want to keep it healthy. Should I replace the fuel pump even though everything seems fine right now? On the one hand, if it ain't broke, why fix it; However, I am getting paranoid now. I still have to convince the wife I need gauges. Maybe with our refund check...



My biggest problem was the brake issue, and that seems fixed now (I hope).

 

[gonehuntingagain]

Get a fuel pressure gauge and use that to dictate when you change the pump.



As for justifying it to the wife, use this analogy:



$70 gauge to monitor a $150 pump that feeds/lubricates a $1200 injection pump.



$70 vs $1200 (more or less - depends on if you install the pump). That should be an easy decision for her.

 

[2broke2smoke]

i bought my '01 in sept '03 ...



bone stock ... took everyones advice on here and put on a FULL set of 6 gauges ...



stone stock at 86k the fp gauge read 7 psi at idle ... 0 psi at 1/2 throttle



good freind who is also a member on here JPICKENS had an '01 with 89k at that same time did the same and had the EXACT same readings ...



+1 on what gonehuntingagain says above

 

[steved]

Get a fuel pressure gauge and use that to dictate when you change the pump.



As for justifying it to the wife, use this analogy:



$70 gauge to monitor a $150 pump that feeds/lubricates a $1200 injection pump.



$70 vs $1200 (more or less - depends on if you install the pump). That should be an easy decision for her.

Exactly... .



I'm the one who made his dad change at 80k... I went through several pumps on my 99... one dying completely on the road... none made it to 80k... his first one was going at 85k.



I took these experiences, the knowledge about the result of driving with a failed LP, and decided (using gonehuntingagain's analogy) that he had better replace his too at 80k intervals... just to be safe... we both put "high" miles on when compared to most owners... I had 200k on when I traded in 2004, he has 240k on currently... both are/were 99s... my 2004. 5 has 75k already... and it is a "second car".



I had a guage on the filter canister... dad didn't even have a light until this past XMas... we went by sound (they will begin to warble up and down in sound) and mileage on his... and pressure on mine... you can see them give low pressure even at idle. If you go with the guage on the filter canister, you just got to be very adement about popping the hood... I did every fuel stop.



steved

 

[dieselshu]

I think some of the earlier lift pump 98-02 original equipment didnt last as long as others. If you have lower than 11-12 psi idle and 8psi wot replace with a new pump and while you are there replace the restrictive banjos with a scotty system or vulcan kit and never look back. But of course always carry a spare for long haul. Like they said earlier a little money now will save you a whole lot later and the headache to. I installed the scotty system and it works like a champ, I cant drop my pressure below 11psi at wot. Worth the money and its proven itself.





Bomb on!

Dave

 

[stownsend]

I also have an 01 2500. I took all of the advice and installed gauges a few years ago. The lift pump has been strong year after year, but finally this year, at about 83000 miles it went belly up. I'm just grateful it happened when I was in town and not out on a long and lonesome highway.



If I were to give you any advice, I would suggest that you replace the lift pump now so you can avoid a roadside incident.

 

[RClark]

My 02 had the pump and VP 44 replaced by Dodge at 47,550 miles. They said they didn't pass the tests. About 1500 miles later i put on the Vulcan bigline kit and later installed a pressure gage 15psi hot idle. Never below 12 at WOT.

just to be safe this week i got a spare pump form Cummins. pn 4932720. $161. 76 less 10% discount for Power Boosters. Expensive but peace of mind. At the same time i goe nes IAT and MAP sensors.

 

[Joe Mc]

If pressures is lower than 10 psi at any throttle position, is a good indicator of future failure. Get a spare, keep the tools handy with spare in truck for quick change. Remember to keep a set of coveralls with the pump and tools cause Murphy will get you when you are in nice clothes in the middle of nowhere, with no cell signal . . . Not wishing anything bad to happen just suggesting to be prepared.