Rdway60

Hey All,
I have a question dealing with the lift pump on my 01 2500 4x4 Quadcab. Should I be able to hear the lift pump, and visibly see the fuel level filling my fuel canister if I have the cap off and have bumped the starter? Just replaced fuel filter in my new to me 01 with 90,000 miles and don't see any evedince of wanting to reprime. I've searched many posts and have come to the conclusion that many times your lift pump is out and you won't know it until you crack the fuel system open? Engine had been starting flawlessly on 1st crank until system was opened. Am I on track with my diagnosis or do I need to do another test? Also I know the next question will have many different answers but.......Should I go intank stock replacement (at what cost and reliability?) or is there a cheaper (better) pump. Only want to deal with this once.
Thanks in advance,
Chris Todd

P.J

Most people who got the intank retro via warranty work are NOT satisfied with their pressure. You can get a "campaign 504" Lift Pump from a Cummins dealer for about $64.00.
You shouldn't have the lid off, bump the starter with the lid back on and crack one of the banjo bolts after the FF canister, fuel should spray out.

You should be hearing a buzzing or whinning noise if your LP is running.
Relatively speaking, the lift pump is cheap. I would say go out and get yourself a new one. It's a preventative maintenance thing on these trucks (if your not fimiliar with the history of it or have a lot of miles on it)

digbog

i posted in another thread about having my lift pump replaced today. they did the in tank replacement. why is this not the best replacement. this was done on my 01.

P.J

Well, I guess to be fair, the Jury is still out. Most peoples opinion of a pump are based on PSI. The intank jobs (from what I read) put out about 8-9 psi at idle and some guys can suck them down to 0 at WOT. Usually, 0 (zero) is a bad thing, it could mean a lack of fuel to the VP44.

The way the dealer looks at it is this, vloume is what matters. Therefore, they do a test in which they measure how much fuel the pump puts out in a specified time, with pretty mcuh total disregard to pressure.
Time will tell. One thing is for sure, the stock pumps up in the stock loations are crap, this has been proven time and time again.

digbog

well this kinda sux since im gonna constantly think that i just got an inferior dealer repair. im driving from Fl. to Nc. this weekend. what are some things i should look for as far as running the pump out of fuel. its an auto trans and i dont hot rod it. also sorry i didnt mean to steal the thread.

P.J

You should really look into gettting some gauges for your truck. Being able to monitor your fuel pressure and Exhaust Gas Temp. is pretty important on these trucks.

I'm sure you'll be fine, your truck is stock right?

jerky1280

I've heard lots of different stories about what happens when it goes south. Some just have a gradual loss of power, some studder, and some engines buck and kick under heavy throttle (what mine did). Just be on the look out for anything unusual with your engine. Or go buy a fuel pressure gauge, they're easy to install (plan on 1-2 hours for a basic install). Getting all the parts together by this weekend might be tough, though.