steve-in-ga

Priced an airtex at O'Reilies today for $169. Pensacola Diesel has a delphi which looks the same for $124. Are these two pumps the same? Both mount in the stock location and look exactly the same.

jentas

Aren't those all basically the same...airtex, carter, delphi? The airtex were supposed to be better, but I'm pretty sure they're junk too.

klx650a2

I hate to say it, "but you gets what yous pays for". Is a cheap lift pump really cheap if you're replacing it every year or 2? Or if it strands you in the middle of no where? What is your time/safety/frustration worth? Plus look at the cost of a good VP44. You're talking about $1600 for a good one (no labour) and to take a chance with a crappy lift pump? Sorry, not me.

Buy a FASS HPFP or an Airdog lift pump, both of which have EXCELLENT warranties and forget about it. Although I don't think the airdog likes really cold temps.

Just my over rated 2 cents.

jentas

I agree with what klx650a2 is saying.
I really don't know why so many people continue to throw money at those cheap replacement pumps. You'll end up paying as much as you would for an Airdog or FASS within a year or two of replacing bad lift pumps, not to mention the frustration, hassle, and worrying.

Airtex, carter, delphi...they're all like playing Russian Roulette with your vp if you don't keep an eye on them and swap em out as soon a they die.

I love my Airdog.

Hillcountry

One of the key issues is getting the pump away from the engine block vibration. Since I moved mine to the framerail and installed a pre-filter...I have had no issues whatsoever. Fass and other products are outstanding also, but for me the key has been to get the pump away from the block.

Lockman

I'm a newbie here but I've been around the block a few times, LOL

I was taught many years ago that a pump pushes fuel much better than it does pulling. Doesn't it stand to reason that if you put the pump as close to the tank as possible that you would have less stress on the pump?

I installed a medum priced pump($172) on the frame near the tank and I plan on not having to worrry about it for some time if ever.

As someone posted, you have vibration and heat issues from the start if the pump is re-installed in the stock position. Does this make sense?

Don

jentas

I also thought about big line relocation to the frame rail before ultimately deciding on an Airdog. In fact, I almost ordered everything to put a carter on the frame rail. But when I read all the posts on here about people still having failures even with them relocated, it didn't sound so great. I'd consider it very lucky to have one of those last more than a year or two.

Somebody should really do a poll to see just how many people have had to replace those lift pumps;stock location, relocated, multiple replacements in a short period of time...etc.

Lockman

When you pole each person on here you're going to get many different answers. Many of us live in different parts of the country and use our trucks in as many different ways. I live in the desert. Little or no humidity. I drive my truck around town at city speeds. I take my 5th wheel out a couple of times a year and I drive just below 75 mph when on a trip anywhere. Am I the normal driver? I don't know.
I have a friend who has a diesel and he races it every chance he gets and uses it for work. He's always putting this or that on it to keep it running the way he wants. The kid has more money than brains as far as I'm concerned but thats his lifestyle.

Bottom line is everybody has their opinion and you will just have to make that financial decision on how YOU want to go. Good luck which ever way.

Don

Fishin2Deep4U

The Airtex pumps have had a pretty good track record. Especially for those guys that are bone stock, it seems to be a fair quality pump.

Of course you can't compare it to a high volume lifetime warrantied product as the price point is a factor.

Dave

Homestead

Stock Carter pump relocated to the frame with a big line kit running on 3 years now with no problems, idles at 16 psi drops to 12 wide open, what more do I need? Actually right now with the weather, it's covered in ice and slush and it still pumps just fine.

Even with the 3 pumps I have replaced and the spare under the seat, I still haven't come close to the price of a FASS. I can change pumps if needed in under 10 minutes. Keep it simple.

I know quite a few guys with FASS pumps and just about everyone of them has been parked on the side of the road at one time or another when their pump died. I can get a replacement at any mom and pop parts store anywhere in North America. Just get it off the motor and don't vibrate it to death.

Stock pumps are not as bad as everyone thinks they are, this forum is only a very small number when it comes to the number of Carter pumps sold. I'm just fine with my dinky little fuel pump.

Jeff

steve-in-ga

Thanks for all the info. I have a stock setup. I think I am going to give the delphi a try since money is tight. I have a fuel pressure guage so I can keep an eye on it. On second thought, since I have a FP guage I guess I do not have a completly stock setup. If that counts...

steve-in-ga

Just in case anyone cares, the delphi and the airtex are the same pump. I purchased a delphi and it came in a box labeled delphi but the instructions refered to the pump as an airtex. It took me about 2 hours to change the original LP with this new one. I know that is probably real slow, but I took my time.

For me, it was easier to remove the two bolts that hold the filter housing and move it down and to the right so I had a clear view of the LP. Once this was done it was straight forward. I did use the 90 degree elbo that came with the new pump to connect the input side. It was just easier.

My original pump gave me 12 PSI at idle and 7 PSI when cruising before it started going out. The new delphi pump gives me 22 PSI at idle and 18 PSI when cruising.

Checkmate

So the 6 psi I have at idle and the 4 cruising is no good huh? I better start shopping.

bigjohn862

I replaced mine with a stock lift pump from a Cummins dealer. Haven't had any problems and getting about 15 to 16 psi fuel pressure.

Clunk

My relocated Carter is still doing fine since Sept.'04 with the correct 15 psi idle.