I've read alot about CP3 / lift pumps & or fuel pump failure. Could some one break this down in simple English for me as I'm still confused? How many pumps are there & where are they & what each one is for? Like from the fuel tank to the cylinder what's going on. Then when did Dodge make changes or up grades? Build date on my truck is 9/11/04

 

on the 03 thru 04.5 the lift pump is on the filter housing up in the engine compartment,this pump sucks the fuel from the tank to the cp3 injection pump which is on the right side of the engine if your looking at it from the front of the truck.the cp3 is the high pressure pump that feeds the fuel rail.the cp3 is at the same spot and the same pump on all 03s thru 06s.On the 05 and 06s the lift pump was moved from the filter housing in the engine compartment to in the fuel tank.

 

Thanks I knew someone could set me straight. So with the lift pump in the motor compartment is why the cp3 was failling? Is this why some people use a pusher pump? And last by putting the lift pump in the tank has that saved the cp3 from failure ? THANKS AGAIN for stepping up.

 

Both good questions. We know the lift pump mounted in the engine compartment is a failure waiting to happen. As far as the pump in the tank, the jury is still out on that one. But, I, for one am not going to wait. Look at how small and cheap looking the pump is in both applications.
There are many alternatives, and I won't get into the choice I've made here because.... just because. Just do alot of reading and you'll be able to make an educated decision.

 

I am just going to let DC keep replacing my CP3 and lift pumps until it is out of warranty. I can definitely understand why others would try an aftermarket lift/pusher pump but I am not willing to risk paying $2250 for a CP3 pump when DC claims the CP3 failure was caused by a non-approved aftermarket lift/pusher pump.

 

Same for me. However, a leaky CP3 will not cause you to be stranded - I drove around with mine leaking for over a month (that's how long it took the parts to come in!). But..........if your lift pump goes, you WILL need a tow truck.

 

I agree about the leak not stranding you. I drove around for a year with the CP3 leaking moderately. DC would not replace it until they could see it dripping. When I took it in the last time, fuel was all over the side of the engine and the front axle housing. As far as being stranded, I can pay for a lot of tows for what one CP3 costs. I will do no engine-fuel system mods until after warranty, if ever. These rigs run just fine for me stock. If I feel the need for speed I can take the ZX 11 or Vette out for a high speed blast.

 

I dont think it is the actual pumps them selves failing. It is now getting out that their may be a software issue with low voltage being sent to the lift pump form the Ecm resulting in premature failure of the lift pump. I dont think that installing a intank pump has solved anything because the Ecm may still be sending out the wrong voltage to the pump.

The pump itself was designed to be used the way that it is. Although it could use a pusher pump to help it out. Why havent we seen these problems on all the trucks, it is a matter of lot numbers. Some good some ok and some bad.
Most after market pumps hook directly to the batteries for their power and use a solnoid to activate them. Thus cutting out the Ecm control.

Only time will tell as to what the real problem is.

Cheers

 

I am not willing to risk paying $2250 for a CP3 pump when DC claims the CP3 failure was caused by a non-approved aftermarket lift/pusher pump.

the cp3 can be bought from cummins for $1020.00 still alot of dough but alot better then $2250 from the dealer.

 

I found the $2250 price from dodgeparts.com. Who knows what the dealer would charge for one? I saw a post on this forum for a rebuilt one for $1600. If $1020 is true, I feel a lot better.

 

Hum, I have an 03 SO and my lift pump is in the tank............ from what I have seen, starting in 03, the lift pumps were in the tank.

 

In tank lift pumps were not put in the tank until the '05 models.

If your '03 has an intank lift pump, it is a replacement pump. DC is putting all replacement pumps in the tank.