I was recently driving to Montana hauling a load of horses, about 5 hours into the trip while pulling out of the gas station, my truck was acting really hesitant when I stepped on the gas and then it would rev itself up and be fine. It did this 3 times and later died while idling in a construction zone. I replaced the fuel filter in the next town and this seemed to work however, one week later while hauling, the exact hesitation happened again. I am pretty sure my lift pump is beginning to fail, I have 140,000 miles, I am wondering if I could get some tips and instructions on replacing this myself. It is still mounted by the fuel filter housing but I have never done it before. I appreciate your help and advise (there are no codes or check engine light)

 

Several of us have seen the same thing....consensus on this board seems to be that it is a strange phenomena that no one can explain. I too thought it was a sign my lift pump was failing..so I put a guage on the truck to keep an eye on it. Low and behold, the lift pump is failing. I'm seeing zero pressure at WOT. I just bought an airdog to replace/upgrade the stock lift pump. I'll see if the phenomena goes away after installing. The problem is, it only does it occasionally - like you are seeing. So will be difficult to know if it is really related. Unless it happens to do it right away after installing my airdog - then we know it is not related. Some have said it is just a strange computer thing...I don't know, mine has done it on and off for a long time now - but it has been getting more frequent. I myself think it very well could be related to the lift pump.

 

When my lift pump went south, the truck just stopped running--period. You could let it sit for a couple of minutes and try to restart it but it wouldn't start. So my experience with lift pumps is when they go--they go--no warning.
Jay

 

Did you have a fuel pressure guage on when the lift pump failed ? I just put mine on, so I didn't get to see it slowly decline in pressure - but that is what I'm hearing you should see. Mine does still work and run the truck fine. I can't tell there is any issue. But my pressure stinks. I suspect it to be at the failing point anytime.

 

The only way a lift pump will warn you is if you have a fuel pressure gauge to start with. If you notice over time that you can maintain fuel pressure even after a new filter was installed, & its still running. I would replace the lift pump.

That is what I did in my case.

 

I dont have a gauge but dont see any other explanation for the hesitation other than not enough fuel is getting to the engine. I think I will just replace it anyways and see what happens. It cant hurt to have a new pump I guess. And I dont want to be stranded on the side of the road. How hard is it to replace? And any other instructions would be appreciated.

 

The "newer" style lift pumps now go into the fuel tank. You have to drop the fuel tank(I hope you didn't just fill it up). Depending on the year of your truck you may have to buy the kit to move your lift pump. What year is your truck?
Jay

 

You have two choices:

1. Get another lift pump like the one you have (you can find it for about $175 at Geno's.

2. Get an aftermarket replacement.

If you go with #1 (like I did), I recommend that you do not use the hoses and fuel filter that come with the kit. I bought a 2' piece of fuel injection line with fuel injection screw clamps for about $16. Trimmed it to fit but don't forget to remove the plastic piece from the fuel line coming from the tank so the quick connect will seal.

If you go with #2, you have the choice between electrical pumps on the truck rails or a mechanical pump. If I were to spend this much, I would go with the mechanical.

A fuel gauge is nice and if you aren't into putting a lot of mods into your truck, the best mount location I have seen is to replace the cigarrette lighter plug on the dash.

 

Its an 03 and I can see that it is on the fuel filter housing. I just dont know how to swap it out. the dealership said they would recommend putting it in the tank but if it goes out again I dont want to drop the tank so that is why I want to do it myself.

 

I hate to say it but I agree with the dealership on this one. I think long term that you will have fewer problems in the future if you put the lift pump in the full tank. So far I think overall people have had a lot less problems with their lift pump if it is in the fuel tank. I know it's a pain to change it out and you have to drop the tank but I think they last longer and you might not have to do it again---maybe.
Jay

 

if you decide to replace it with a stock 1 it is extremely simple just loosen the feul lines in an out. un plug the electrical connection an remove the bolts holding it on then reverse to reinstall once back on you will want 2 bump the key an let the pump run i would do this a couple of times then you should be able to fire it up an go. napa carries them but forgot the price off hand. the in tank pump is better but would be more costly an if you were going to pay that much you would be better off shelling out a little more for the fass or air dog

 

Is it possible that the inlet hose has started to collapse and starves the engine for fuel at times? anyone ever have this problem?