studlybilly

Ok, new list of problems I've found. I siphoned some diesel into a 5 gallon bucket, and cut the fuel line long enough to route it into the bucket (inside the cab, also tried under the cab). I cracked the hardline that feeds into the fuel filter and began to pump the prime pump. After about 3 minutes nothing was coming out. I even tried cracking re-connecting the filter hardline and cracking the banjo bolt on top of the injection pump. Still nothing. Finally I tried turning it over to see if it would get things partially started, then tried priming right after...nothing. Against all odds I tried running the fuel line directly onto the hardline that goes into the fuel filter; However, IIRC I was told on here that the IP/Lift P wont pull anything unless it's primed with fuel? Otherwise, something else would be fubared since that wasn't seeming to draw any fuel either (fuel hose connected directly to hardline to fuel filter).

I guess out of all of this I can only gamble that the prime pump is cashed, when not engaged I could blow air through the hose and it was routing through it. So I guess the prime pump itself is just dead. If yall are thinking the same thing, then I'll go ahead and ask: In my other thread, somebody mentioned that they took the manual primer pump off and just put an electric one in it's place? Would I just use one of those cheap universal electric pumps from a parts store or something?

Thanks again guys,
Billy

studlybilly

Like maybe this?


http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...goryCode=3339K

Or save some coin on this:



http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...goryCode=3339K

Ace

The diaphragm pump (I think your were referring to as the "prime pump?") will "flow" under any circumstances even into the crankcase, as sometimes happens when they go TU. It just won't always "pump." So don't assume it is bad because you could blow through it.

I would not view the pumps you've got pictured there as anywhere near robust enough to supply the volume of fuel needed to run even a stock 5.9 Cummins. Bearkiller was talking about using something like that for "emergency purposes" in another thread here today, which is fine. But I wouldn't depend on it as the primary pump.

loch

Is there any resistance when you pump the lever ? iv seen filters bad enough they wont pump. But it does sound like the pump has went south. Any electric fuel pump will work IF they are diesel rated, a gasser pump wont last long.

studlybilly

I'm not trying to be rude, but did you read any of my post? I'm not looking to replace any other pump other than the prime pump. I not only blew threw the hose to make sure it was flowing through the prime pump, but I routed the hose into a 5 gallon bucket and cracked the hardline just before the fuel filter, to see if it was pumping anything period from the prime pump. The second "cheaper" fuel pump, does mention that it can replace the lift pump, but I'm not looking for a replacement to the lift pump necessarily, only the primer pump (being as it seems to not be working). The only worry I had, was the electric pumps ability to free flow when not engaged (like the prime pump does), unless you were referring to that? Maybe it would have to be left on even when not being used as a primer pump?

studlybilly

Ya, I've experienced the seriousness of a dirty fuel filter, but I cracked the hardline just before the fuel filter. So fuel isn't even getting to the filter at all.

In response to "any electric fuel pump will work", even the second one? As mentioned in the prior post, my only concern is fuel still flowing after it's disengaged? I'm not being cheap necessarily, but it does label the second one as a diesel application.

studlybilly

Ok, please disregard my complete noobness to the diesel realm. I now think I have a better understanding. What I "thought" was the prime pump, was actually the "lift pump"? I've always thought the lift pump was mounting just below or above the injection pump. I did read somewhere that you can get "diaghram" replacement pumps for about $40, should I go that route or replace it with an electric pump?

studlybilly

?? Is it safe to assume that given the diagnosis I've went through that the lift pump is bad?

searcher

Unless you plan to mod the engine drastically, a diaphragm pump is probably sufficient. The other option would be a piston lift pump. Don't write off your lift pump to fast. There is a very small area of the cam that will allow the pump to be primed with the lever. I think I posted before that I was convinced that my pump was bad only to find that the cam wasn't positioned right. I had tried for an hour to get it positioned. The only use I can see for an electric pump might be to plumb it in prior to the lift pump and jumper it to prime the system. I am not sure if the pump has a check valve that would interfere. Good luck.

studlybilly

Well since the lift pump merely "feeds" the injection pump, and I'm swapping this diesel into my 98 Durango. Couldn't I just regulate the in-tank pump to 7-8psi and use it as a lift pump? Or will the pump not be able to work with diesel (being it's a gasser now)?

I don't intend to go to crazy with power, nothing over 400 lb.ft.

searcher

All you need to do is plumb in a pressure Gage and try it. I would think that a pump built for gas would not last with viscous diesel, but would be an interesting test.

olddodgetrucks

been running holly on mine for years,many const/farm mach run elect. pumps

G1625S

Buy a replacement diaphram pump and be done with it. 400 lb.ft is stock power (unless you're talking 4bt and still, 400 lb.ft is not really a taxing amount of fuel) As was said, check to see if the cam lobe is hindering the LP. Easy check is to pull the LP from the engine and put the pickup end into a bowl of fuel and pump the sucker. I've had 3 lp's on my truck---still on the same gasket with no leaks.


As for the electric pump the real concern is volume rather than pressure when looking at cost effective pumps. A diesel will bypass a lot more fuel at any given moment than a comparable gasser. That extra volume is used to cool and lube the injection pump---an issue a gasser pump doesn't have to contend with. This is just a word of caution. There are tons of CTD's running electric lift pumps, but you've got to do some research and understand the needs of the VE's high pressure system.

studlybilly

So, just to ask, what if the cam lobe is lacking, do I get the satisfaction of putting a new cam in?

Ya, after more thought, there's a $65 lift pump at advanced auto that comes with a lifetime warranty. Seems more feasible than relying on my current in tank pump that could burn out and be more money to replace.

BearKiller

If I am understanding the situation, you are wanting to simply bring fuel up to the system, in order to start the engine, to see what you have.

If that be the case, take a gallon jug of fuel, put a lid on it that a fuel hose can be attached to (think lots of duck-tape), put the hose to the lift-pump inlet, hold the jug above the engine, turn the jug upside-down and squeeze it, forcing the fuel into the system.

Don't let the jug "suck back" the fuel; once you get it squished, remove it.

Now, with the rubber fuel-line still held high, stick it into another jug of fuel, such that gravity will take over.

Now, have someone crank the engine.

It should start, if it is going to.


If not, make sure the intake heaters are un-plugged.

Do this procedure again, only this time, have a third person MIST a breath of ether into the intake, while the engine is cranking.

It will fire, and probably start.