Canada vs. USA (lift pump failure)
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Alberta
Thread Starter
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From: MB,Canada
Sounds like we're well in the lead, considering we probably make up no more than 10% of members on this board.
I was also told by the Cummins tech (Dodge dealer didn't know how to repair) who R/R my lift pump that "it is a problem with high conductivity in the fuel".
BTW, new lift pump plus labour was about $800 CDN. WOW!!
Personally, I think it's the fuel. We can't get #2 diesel during the winter months. Most, if not all, US stations have #1,#2 and Blended pumps. Dodge says to not run #1 diesel unless you live in the Arctic. That's what most of us get, at least the cold areas of the prairie provinces, where most of the problmes seem to occur.
Not sure if I like the pump in the tank. Big headache($) when it comes time to replace.
I was also told by the Cummins tech (Dodge dealer didn't know how to repair) who R/R my lift pump that "it is a problem with high conductivity in the fuel".
BTW, new lift pump plus labour was about $800 CDN. WOW!!
Personally, I think it's the fuel. We can't get #2 diesel during the winter months. Most, if not all, US stations have #1,#2 and Blended pumps. Dodge says to not run #1 diesel unless you live in the Arctic. That's what most of us get, at least the cold areas of the prairie provinces, where most of the problmes seem to occur.
Not sure if I like the pump in the tank. Big headache($) when it comes time to replace.
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From: markham, ontario, canada
Originally posted by Palmtree
So.., is there an aftermarket pump that's reliable. I'm thinking I should've just poneyed up for a gas guzzler and be done with it.
So.., is there an aftermarket pump that's reliable. I'm thinking I should've just poneyed up for a gas guzzler and be done with it.
mine if fine as far as i know... [don't feel broke to me]
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From: Alberta
The diesel mechanic at the dealership said most of the failures are in the summer or did I read that here. Anyway he said to make sure the tank is at least half full all the time and use Stanadyne every 4th tank. Can only go by what he says at this point. could've bought a ford but I had one before this and let me tell you fords are expensive to fix, they also have trans probs with all the electronic switches in the trans, can easily leave you on the side of the highway. On the way up north I never see a Dodge on the side of the road and most guys drive em up here hauling horses, equipment,welding skids.., you name it, those Dodges are all working. Working is the best thing for them, I've been told by all the people I work with that haul stuff all over Canada and the U.S. They say get ready to do the trans at about 250,000 Kil if you are working it and if you have a standard you'll be replacing 5 th gear. 
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Alberta, Canada
Check this out! I did some other snooping around and Shell says they have been putting out low-sulphur fuel since 1994
http://www.shell.ca/code/motoring/en...ll_diesel.html
http://www.shell.ca/code/motoring/en...ll_diesel.html
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From: Alberta
Diesel #1 vs #2. There is a ton of myth going on out there on diesel fuel causing lift pump problems. I do not buy it. There may be a station that gets contaminated storage tanks that causes some problems, or the odd load may get mixed by the tanker with wrong fuel, etc.
Diesel fuel is "climatized" blended with #1 (and other) depending on the geographical location in relation to the climate zones across north america. These zones run from west to east (east to west) in a grid based on the temp zone. Fuel is blended (climatized) to maintain spec for that temperature.
Yes, low sulphur diesel has been around for 10 years now. Yes additives are added to the diesel fuel to maintain quality and spec by most refineries. Some additives included are to raise cetane rating (about 70% of diesel has this), anti statics to lower conductivity, etc.
Some refineries are better than others. Each oil company has or may have their own special witches brew as an additive. Chance are if you are buying "Premium, Super Duper, yah da yah da) it is just an additive you are buying, not an actual grade of diesel.
This is not unique to Canada, but applies to north america including the US. You can find bad fuel anywhere. Take a look at the topography of your favourite station and see if they are located in a low lying area where a sudden heavy rainstorm could cause some localized flooding and possible fuel contamination, etc.
Just my diesel burp.
If I can get some graphs, stats, etc that will fit here I will post them.
Diesel fuel is "climatized" blended with #1 (and other) depending on the geographical location in relation to the climate zones across north america. These zones run from west to east (east to west) in a grid based on the temp zone. Fuel is blended (climatized) to maintain spec for that temperature.
Yes, low sulphur diesel has been around for 10 years now. Yes additives are added to the diesel fuel to maintain quality and spec by most refineries. Some additives included are to raise cetane rating (about 70% of diesel has this), anti statics to lower conductivity, etc.
Some refineries are better than others. Each oil company has or may have their own special witches brew as an additive. Chance are if you are buying "Premium, Super Duper, yah da yah da) it is just an additive you are buying, not an actual grade of diesel.
This is not unique to Canada, but applies to north america including the US. You can find bad fuel anywhere. Take a look at the topography of your favourite station and see if they are located in a low lying area where a sudden heavy rainstorm could cause some localized flooding and possible fuel contamination, etc.
Just my diesel burp.
If I can get some graphs, stats, etc that will fit here I will post them.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
[QUOTE]Originally posted by AaronT
[B]Diesel #1 vs #2. There is a ton of myth going on out there on diesel fuel causing lift pump problems. I do not buy it. There may be a station that gets contaminated storage tanks that causes some problems, or the odd load may get mixed by the tanker with wrong fuel, etc.
Dont know if winter blend would cause failures we run it starting in Sept Oct and dont have a bunch of problems some but not alot. I still would seriously consider contaminated (dirty) fuel or poorly refined fuel. I read a post on filter replacement a day or two ago and it seems there is some pretty dirty fuel around according to folks who have inspected their filters. Remote areas seem to be the worst, fuel used from slip tanks, drums etc. without additional filters may have an effect on the pump. If dirty, contaminated or poorly refined fuel is not the problem what is it ???. And why are the majority of the problems localized ??? Confuses me 
[B]Diesel #1 vs #2. There is a ton of myth going on out there on diesel fuel causing lift pump problems. I do not buy it. There may be a station that gets contaminated storage tanks that causes some problems, or the odd load may get mixed by the tanker with wrong fuel, etc.
Dont know if winter blend would cause failures we run it starting in Sept Oct and dont have a bunch of problems some but not alot. I still would seriously consider contaminated (dirty) fuel or poorly refined fuel. I read a post on filter replacement a day or two ago and it seems there is some pretty dirty fuel around according to folks who have inspected their filters. Remote areas seem to be the worst, fuel used from slip tanks, drums etc. without additional filters may have an effect on the pump. If dirty, contaminated or poorly refined fuel is not the problem what is it ???. And why are the majority of the problems localized ??? Confuses me