Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Which Vacuum pump kit?

[JHastings]

Which kit is best to fix the vacuum pump? I heard fixnrams has a double lipped seal, but the cummins kit is like $7 instead of $60. Any input? Does the cummins kit have a double lipped seal too?



TIA



Jamie

 

[surfbeetle]

I used the fixin rams kit. It comes with a video, install tool made of pvc pipe and enough seals to do the job twice. I can't answer the double lipped seal question. I have been happy with mine. By the way, you don't have to remove the power steering pump from the truck. I simply separated the vacuum pump from the power steering pump and left it connected and supported while I was repairing the vacuum pump.

 

[GAmes]

Yes, the Cummins kit has a double lip seal. I'm convinced the fixinrams kit is a repackaged Cummins kit. Very well written instructions are included. Cummins part # is 4089742.

 

[JHastings]

Very cool. I will do that and leave the PS pump in.


Thanks

 

[GAmes]

I did this job today, and left the PS pump in to see how the work compares with taking them both out as a unit. Other than the pros I have probably removed the PS/Vac assy more times than anyone else on this forum. IMO, it is easier to take then both out at once. There are benefits to taking them out together as well. If you have never serviced the pump https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html and flushed the system now is the time to do it. It is also much easier to separate and reattach them on a bench than down in the engine compartment.



Either way you do it, here are a few tips. First thing to remove is the tube between the intercooler and the intake manifold. That will give you easier access, and the pump(s) come out easy from the top. Disconnect the oil pressure switch connector or you run the risk of breaking the switch. Be careful even with the connector removed. Remove the battery ground cable from the block and take the opportunity to clean it up for a better connection. Pay attention which hole goes where on the 90 degree support bracket.



Hope this helps.

 

[surfbeetle]

GAmes points out some good points, I did break off that darn oil pressure sending unit. I got a new one from Napa. As for the ps pump removal or not, my situation was that I didn't want to chance a mess of power steering fluid on my driveway. I'm sure that it was easier to separate them on a bench. There was one bolt that I ended up loosening a bolt from underneath the truck.

 

[JHastings]

Ok cool, I will do it that way. I got the kit from Cummins and it was like $8 and came with a double lipped seal.


Jamie

 

[hsmith]

Not too bad unless when you get the vacuum pump off and see a broken tooth on the drive gear like I did. Then the re-seal job gets a little pricey.

 

[JHastings]

Resealed the pump and its all good now. Not a tough job at all and the kit was cheap and came with a double lipped seal. Seems to me like the other kits are probably a repackaged kit. From cummins it was $8. I took PS pump out as well out the top and it was very easy to separate them on the bench. I recommend it to anybody that has a leaky pump. Whole process took about 2 hours and I wasn't working fast.


Jamie

 

[Breed]

I used Pete Gould's kit (fixen Rams), I didn't know about the Cummings kit, I had a very small leak and Pete's kit worked great, easy to do and he provided all the tools and info and was very helpful. I am a shade tree mechanic so it takes me a while to do things but Pete's kit works just great. I have used Larry B's starters and big contacts and wiring harness and met with great results. Just my opinion, Larry B' and I spoke on the phone along with his staff and they were very helpful actually overnighing parts so I could make a trip I wanted to go on. I think both these venders are great!