Magnum Salvage

I'm having some work done on my truck. Had the KDP tabbed and had a bad oil leak fixed. The dowel pin never fell out but for whatever reason the timing cover gasket was leaking and apparently theres a plate that mounts to the block behind the timing cover and that gasket was leaking as well.

So, my mechanic apparently had to pull the camshaft out to remove that plate and replace that gasket. While doing so I also had him bump the timing to 15.5 and install some 60 lb intake and exhaust springs because I'm also having him install the 4000 rpm gov spring kit. Also putting in guages and a #10 fuel plate. He didnt do the plate or gov spring yet, only the valve springs, the KDP and replace all the gaskets up front.

He said he went to start it after getting everything put back together but he's not getting any fuel. Said my "Fuel transfer pump" is shot or is weak and that it wont pump any fuel up. The truck never had a problem before the work was done but he said they usually wont or that they may be fine until the fuel is bled off when a repair is done like in my truck's case and then the pump wont have enough suction to supply fuel if it's weak. Trucks got 228,000 on the clock.

Is this common after so many miles to have to replace this part ? How expensive is the part ? Is it necessary to get something aftermarket ? I plan on getting this thing to between 350 - 400 HP. Daily driver. Dont want to drop a boatload of cash in more aftermarket parts like this fuel transfer pump but wanted to hear others thoughts. Maybe if it isnt much more cash to upgrade it now I should ? I dont know? Sorry for the long post. Thanks.

Dr. Evil

Tough to tell what the lift pump is doing without actually putting a guage on and measuring how many pounds of pressure its putting out.

I believe Genosgarage.com carries the lift pumps for reasonable $.

patdaly

Take a drive over there and prime the pump for him.

I suppose it is possible the pump died right then, but more than likely he is a younger mechanic and not familiar with priming a 12V.

Take a garden hoe or shovel, and push the priming button till you hear it sing, sounds kind of like the sound you get when you hiss thru your teeth.

Crack the front 3 lines at the Injector and try and start her.

Dr. Evil

I guess I was assuming the "mechanic" knew what he was doing.

Yeah, the filter housing should be full of fuel. Crack the bleed screw on top of the housing and pump the primer button until fuel leak out. Then close the bleed screw.

Should fire up after that.

Good catch Pat !

Magnum Salvage

He's not a young mechanic and he owns a couple of 12 valves himself. I'm not saying he's an expert cause he mainly works on agricultural diesels, tractors etc. but he tried priming it. Can't get it to pull any fuel ? I'm sure he has tried priming it as he had explained to me that it has a primer on it.

Dr. Evil

Then, it "should" be the lift pump. Its fairly rare but they do wear out.

Magnum Salvage

Just talked to him again. He kinda got mad at me for second guessing him cause he's been working on diesels for 35 years he said but he understands that I'm just trying to learn more about them. He tried with a broom handle and it wont pull anything for fuel. Got a new pump on the way. Is there a HP limit that these pumps are only good to : Like will work or supply enough fuel below 400 HP or whats the deal?

patdaly

I believe John P was around 600 Hp when he had to upgrade.

Another possibility at least with the older ones was if it is on the tip of the lobe, it will not pump up. I would bet though that he has tried priming more than once after trying to start it.

Magnum Salvage

Yes, thats what he said. New one should be here today. Thanks for the info guys.

Thiss

We had to replace two, one on a second gen with 189,000 and one on a first gen. with 225,000. Relatively easy and cheap compared to an injection pump going out because of poor fuel supply.

Magnum Salvage

I'll agree with you there !

fourthandgoal

new pump do the trick?

Magnum Salvage

Yes, the pump was the problem. runs good now.