I got my fuel-pressure gauge plumbed in, between the filter and injection-pump.

I didn't replace the filter, as it hadn't been on there very long.

I installed the Glacier Big Line Kit, with a TEE tap for the gauge line.

On this TEE, I installed a BALL-VALVE, and a SNUBBER, then the gauge line.

When first installed, the gauge was holding 4 PSI.

With the engine idling, I shut off the BALL-VALVE, then shut down the engine and left it be for several hours.

Then, when I checked the gauge, it was still holding 4 PSI, signifying that there are no leaks in the gauge/line.

I opened the BALL-VALVE and the gauge immediately dropped to zero.

On a three hundred mile trip, the gauge stayed steady at 4 PSI, up hill and down, idle or full throttle; occassionally I saw it creep to 5 PSI, but really wasn't doing anything different.

The original 1989 diaphragm-type mechanical fuel-pump is still on the engine.

How do my observations compare with others' experience??

Thanks.

 

Sounds like you have an acceptable lift pump. A real healthy diaphragm pump will do 7-8 psi, but there's nothing wrong with being able to hold 4 psi under all conditions.

The system does not hold pressure when the engine is off, this is normal.

 

That pretty much exactly how my diaphragm pump behaved.

 

I assume that, since the VE can draw it's own fuel, to an extent, should the lift-pump be completely dead, a pressure/vacuum gauge would show a vacuum, correct??

 

If a diaphram pump does 7-8 psi and a piston lift pump does 4 psi, what is the advantage to a piston pump? Just wondering cause the truck I just bought seems wet around the lift pump.

 

Piston pump is rated for 15psi. The 4psi referred to above would be for the diaphragm pump.

 

In the case of a dead pump, yes.