Well, last week was interesting.

While cruising down the road, in my 2000 2500, she quit. I mean quit. Would turn over, just wouldn't crank.

Had her towed to the local Dodge dealership.

36 hours later: I'm told the transfer pump, injection pump, and fuel cell needs replacing at a cost of $2800. YIKES!

This truck has never had a problem, and I, rather stupidily, haven't taken the time to really learn it. After 6 days in the shop, I got it back and everything is as it should be. They had to order the injection pump from Detroit.

Even the cashier grimmaced when she saw my ticket. My wallet is still aching.

 

The "Lift pump" is a common failure on the 24 valve trucks.
The problem is when the fuel pressure is too low for too long. This apparently eats the injection pump.

Invest in a fuel pressure guage. Some folks even run one in the cab to keep an eye of the F.P. all the time.

If nothing else, then check you F.P. at least every oil change.

Rich.

 

Thanks for the feedback. The Dodge folks were not too forthcoming on information on detecting this in the future. I'll do some research on fuel gauages and pick one up.

If I read you correctly, the failing lift pump can cause the injection pump to fail?

 

what & where is the fuel cell?

 

Do a search on this site for Lift Pump. You'll get flooded with information.

To answer your question in short: Yes, not having enough fuel pressure to the VP injection pump seems to cause the pump to fail if left that way too long.

A lot of our members have installed gauges which include a pyrometer, boost, fuel pressure, and/or a trans temp guage.

I dont want to be the guy with the bad news, but the factory lift pump dont last long.
There are aftermarket replacements available, but they cost and many of our members have had mixed results.

Best bet would be to get a FP gauge. Install one in the cab to watch all the time, or, as I said, at the very least, check the FP every oil change.

Rich.

 

johnh,

I'm guessin' Tigerfan means "fuel tank".

Sounds like a little more than a bad LP to me.

 

Sorry guys. Misread the invoice. Just the lifter and injection pump. The injection pump was $1500.

I used to own a Mercedes S class with mechanical fuel injection. The fuel injector failed and was only $600.

I still have sticker shock.

 

I'm trying to learn the basics of this fuel system. Does the lifter pump act as a fuel pump?

I need a service manual. Are there aftermarket manual or are they still proprietary to Dodge?

Thanks again.

 

The lift pump does just that, lift fuel from the tank up to the injection pump. If the pump fails or gets weak it won't supply enough fuel to the injection pump. The injection pump relies on fuel for cooling. So if the supply isn't there the pump will self destruct from heat. This is why you need that fuel pressure gauge to detect the failing pump (or plugged filter) before the damage is done.

HTH
Max