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Lift Pump Failing?

Old 01-06-2008, 07:58 AM
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Lift Pump Failing?

Installed an ISSPRO mechanical fuel pressure gauge last night - the one with the fuel isolator diaphragm. I filled the gauge side line with antifreeze as the instructions dictate. I tapped the banjo bolt going into the injection pump. Upon, starting I had only 10-12 psi at idle. During driving, under slight acceleration @ ~1900 rpm, it was only 20-24 tops.

These should be higher based on dodgeram.org and the service manual.

I'm fairly confident I did the gauge install correctly, but maybe not. I don't have any leaks. I bled the fuel side line as best you can. My gauge side line isn't terribly long, it should have enough fluid in it. Did I miss something?

If it is my lift pump I'm thinking about replacing the pump-filter assembly with the Air-Dog system. After installing it, can the stock pump and filter be removed out of the engine - freeing up some space? The truck has 203k miles on it, so a bad lift pump seems reasonable.

Thanks for the help.

- Craig
Old 01-06-2008, 08:34 AM
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You could also have a bad overflow valve. Have someone pinch off the return while you watch the gauge, if the pressure spikes, it's your overflow valve.
Old 01-06-2008, 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by TIMMY22
You could also have a bad overflow valve. Have someone pinch off the return while you watch the gauge, if the pressure spikes, it's your overflow valve.
Exactly what he said...

Rick
Old 01-06-2008, 10:24 AM
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More than the likely the isolator is giving you false readings.
Replace it with a coupling.
Old 01-06-2008, 12:40 PM
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Would a bad overflow valve give worse fuel mileage??
Old 01-06-2008, 02:01 PM
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Low fuel pressure can cause low rpm miss/instability, white smoke, hard starting and low power.
Old 01-06-2008, 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by infidel
Low fuel pressure can cause low rpm miss/instability, white smoke, hard starting and low power.
I'm going to hook up another pressure gauge and pinch off the return line.

Although, I do have some low rpm miss/instability. Having driven it more, the pressure may go up to 22-24, then drop down to 15 and then go back up to 20.

I do have a little bit of flutter with the gauge: ±0.5psi. That doesn't really bother me. But, the above actions doesn't seem normal.

Thanks,

Craig
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