ranchrunner1

My first post so forgive my lack of mechanical inclination and lingo. On a business trip today in North Central Texas 500 miles away from home. No problems on drive up in 2001 3/4 ton 4x4. Today on one hour trip to see client in nearby town engine begins to sputter and lurch as if fuel delivery problem. Stopped at local yokel dealership who changed filter and mentioned transfer pump problem. Of course, filter only minimizes the frequency of sputtering at highway speeds (only time problem occured). So before my trip back home tomorrow I have decided to play it safe and scheduled the dealership to change transfer pump tomorrow morning. Question 1: Does the diagnosis fit the symptons i.e.-sputtering at highway speed equal transfer pump. Question 2: Could I make it the 500 miles back home tomorrow with no additional problems to bring it to a known and trusted dealership without having to spend five hours and $800.00 at a dealership that I know nothing about in the middle of almost nowhere? Thanks for the help guys.
Ranchrunner1 stranded in north texas. Sorry for the delay, back up and running, please read my reply on page 2, Thank you all very much

TLDC

I have just started working on my truck so take this as my opinion....my truck started doing the same type thing 6 months ago. Started on our way to Vegas...got home on prayers (we live 75 miles away from Vegas.) It ended up being the VP44 and fuel pump. Started acting up again so before the VP44 "blows up" again we got a FASS fuel pump (in-line) and gauges so we can see the fuel pressure now. FYI the injection pump and fuel pump cost around $1300, we installed it. If you do let the dealership (either one) fix it I would go with an in-line fuel pump. Our 2nd gen. trucks seem to have this problem off and on until you put an in-line pump or pusher pump on them. Sorry I can't be more help!! Take care

megamac

If is is running as you say, I don't think you will make it 500 miles. The LP being gone will cause some issue, but the fact is that it is not getting the fuel it needs, so the IP will go, if it has not already. If it were me, I would replace the LP now on the road and if it runs fine, then no fears. Otherwise, big bucks....

blackdiesel

The in tank pump the dealer will install, are not the best fix for the price. you can go to a parts store and buy a holley blue, tubing cutter and a foot of 3/8 hose, and in less than 1 hour, and $100 be on your way home. Like stated your IP could be the problem also. check for codes with your key, on off on off on and watch your odometer.

Barry St John

Whatever you do remember the transfer pump is what provides the fuel to cool and lube the injection pump. If you are lucky and it's still ok the more you drive it the more damage you will cause. I'd definitely get it changed before you go home. If you don't want to work on it yourself you might check and see if there is a diesel shop in the area. If so have them install a new lift pump and a set of guages so you know what is going on.

Mike D

Find a Cummins shop and have them put a new transfer pump on if you don't want to do it youself, you will save some $$$$. The pump from Cummins is around $130 and about 1 hour labor. You should be out the door for around $250.

Maybe there is some kind soul on the DTR from that area who can lend a helping hand. I would hate to see you spend that kind of money for a simple fix.

Are there any N. Texas DTR boys listening?

AggieJustin

Where are you at in N. Texas? I've got a spare lift pump in my toolbox right now...

Mike D

Thanks for offering to help the man, AggieJustin! You the man!

PaulDaisy

Buy a Carter direct replacement pump from any NAPA store ($120) and replace it yourself. Takes 2 wrenches and 30 minutes.
I would not like driving for 500 miles, I am sure I drove mine for more than that with low pressure (but not fully dead LP, no sputtering). The repair is so simple, it is not worth risking the IP for it.
-P

hamilton71801

I'm 30 miles north of Texarkana USA and have a shop and spare lift pump if you can make it this far. I'm right on I-30 too. Just shoot me a PM if you want to take me up on it.

PaulDaisy

Now that's an offer! Kudos, hamilton71801!
-P

m.rehme

I put on one from O'Rileys $180 with a lifetime warranty.

crobtex

Thanks for jumping in there Justin.

Ranchrunner1...........PM sent.

Mike D

Anyone hear from ranchrunner1? Curious to know if the truck is up and running.

hamilton71801

This was his first post so I imagine he got it up and going and is on his way or we would have heard from him. Hopefully he'll check back and let us know what happened.