Is my NEW lift pump failing on me?!
#11
I had similar symptoms once. It turned out that the second fuel filter in my tank was the culprit. The first filter in the tank is the one that's on the bottom of the pickup unit. That one can be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. The second was INSIDE the pickup unit. I just removed that one completely.
Just before you said this, I noticed in my manual that there is a filter there! Hmm... Maybe that's a project I can do this week. Can't hurt, right?
Before dropping the tank, remove/clean the screen on the bottom of the fuel heater assembly. It takes a 17mm socket from under the truck. Only a little fuel will spill. If that's not clogged then I'd look to the pickup unit filters as being next in line to check.
This was just done about 2,000 miles ago along with the lift pump change. (I deleted the fuel heater assy as well)
Just before you said this, I noticed in my manual that there is a filter there! Hmm... Maybe that's a project I can do this week. Can't hurt, right?
Before dropping the tank, remove/clean the screen on the bottom of the fuel heater assembly. It takes a 17mm socket from under the truck. Only a little fuel will spill. If that's not clogged then I'd look to the pickup unit filters as being next in line to check.
This was just done about 2,000 miles ago along with the lift pump change. (I deleted the fuel heater assy as well)
Originally Posted by rorybellows
so you start and stop engine on straight deezel? does the lift pump do both fuels? or separate system all the way to the inj. pump?
It controls the supply solenoid. That solenoid has 2 inputs (Diesel tank via fuel heater and fuel filter, & WVO tank, via it's own, heated fuel filter) and 1 output (to lift pump). There is a 'Flush' mode, that flushes the system with Diesel for (I have it set for) 30 seconds. That way the lines are cleared.
I have NOT run WVO since the lift pump change.
Sorry in advance for the crappy quality, they were just taken with my junk cell phone...
Dodge OEM setup:
GreaseCar setup (My setup)
Actual photo of the pump area:
Another:
I know it looks kinda crazy. I did not install it, and am not very proud of the workmanship, and plan on changing it a little, but hey, it works. (Well- wait... why is this thread here if it "works?!!")
So far, I've checked the following:
-Connections at fuel tank
-Fuel lines from tank to engine bay
-All of my rubber lines associated with the pump/solenoid assy
-Fuel Filter is changed 100 miles ago
-Lift pump 2k ago (never run WVO through it
-Fuel heater pre-filter assy was cleaned, heater removed
Here's what I'm planning to check:
-fuel filter inlet banjo bolt gasket. They had to remove the banjo and attach a Tee (as you can see in the WVO diagram above) and I noticed the gasket has some cracking around it. (no fuel seepage, but that's on the suction side of the pump, so it probably wouldn't show, right? It's just potentially letting air into the lines...)
-do some sort of fluid/pressure check of the lift pump. I know it's new, but who knows, maybe it's a Lemon? any tips on this? or just do it 'per the manual'?
-Fuel tank fuel filter like v8440 pointed out
-streamlining the whacko fuel line situation near the pump and ruling out the rubber hoses/brass barb fitting connections as leaks.
Thanks for all the advice. This is driving me nuts!
-Andrew
#12
maybe the wvo is/has knocked some crud loose and your injector(s) are slightly clogged? but you have a fairly new (2000 mikes) lift pump, idk. maybe time to switch to an aftermarket fuel system like the fass or airdog or make your own. all your symptoms seem to be pump related. i do know that starving the inj. pump is a quick way to kill it. see if you can rig up a temporary pump system with an electric pump bypassing the lift pump and have the fuel pressure at 16-20 psi? and see if that allieves your symptoms. i'd go with v8840's filter cleanin before anything tho. you could have possibly gotten another bum pump too.
just reread the last part of your last post aboot the banjo bolt and air in the system i dont think would cause you to lose pressure like your saying, it should only cause stuttering symptoms, correct?
just reread the last part of your last post aboot the banjo bolt and air in the system i dont think would cause you to lose pressure like your saying, it should only cause stuttering symptoms, correct?
Last edited by rorybellows; 11-26-2010 at 10:21 PM.
#13
#14
Lift pump was from Shiver Diesel, in Tallahassee, Fl. Pretty well known/respected company.
Upon more research, it looks like Holley Black pumps, or equiv., are a decent pump, and can be had relatively cheaply, around $100 or so... So I may try that. Question is: Should I run the pump inline, pre-lift pump, or just bypass the lift pump all together?
Upon more research, it looks like Holley Black pumps, or equiv., are a decent pump, and can be had relatively cheaply, around $100 or so... So I may try that. Question is: Should I run the pump inline, pre-lift pump, or just bypass the lift pump all together?
#15
I just thought of something else easy to check: Start the truck, and make sure the shutoff solenoid on the side of the injection pump is pulling the fuel shutoff lever all the way up. If it has gotten weak and is only partially opening it, that would be a dumbass way to have your fuel supply throttled back. You must start the truck first-merely turning the key to the on position will NOT do the trick.
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Apmcrx (11-28-2010)
#17
I just thought of something else easy to check: Start the truck, and make sure the shutoff solenoid on the side of the injection pump is pulling the fuel shutoff lever all the way up. If it has gotten weak and is only partially opening it, that would be a dumbass way to have your fuel supply throttled back. You must start the truck first-merely turning the key to the on position will NOT do the trick.
#19
Had a friend of mine tell me today that it's also possible that the fuel pressure return spring or whatever it's called could be gummed up. In short, he said it's accessible by taking the banjo fitting out and you can see the spring and can clean it out. Also that it is possible to tighten the spring a click or so and get a little more fuel pressure out of the system. What do you guys know about that?
#20