So, my beloved truck died, leaving me stranded on the side of the road... after a 100 mile ride in a tow truck (at least it was also a cummins!!) my dealer says it was "only the lift pump"... Dealer changed lift pump under warranty, but something just doesn't feel right.

The truck seems to take off fine when empty (I haven't pulled yet) but when driving on the highway, it is like there is a little flat spot. Whatever speed I am driving, there seems to be a slight hesitation when trying to accelerate "just a little bit". If I push the accelerator down hard, it will still toss you into the bed of the truck...

I have a few questions:

1. Am I simply imagining this flat spot, or could the lift pump have done some other damage? And what other damage I should be looking for?

2. I have heard of people loosing lift pumps, and not knowing it, causing damage to the injector pump.. If this is the case, why was I left stranded along side the highway with "just a lift pump"?? It was driving just fine (pulling my 10k tt), and simply shut off. It restarted right away, but died again shortly thereafter. After it cooled, it started fine, and ran 30 miles until it died again, then started dying every few seconds again.. Any other suggestions as to the possible cause. I have not taken another long drive, to see if it is truly fixed or not

3. If this was "just a lift pump", where can I get a VERY inexpensive gauge to monitor fuel pressure. (I know, they are all cheap compared to the other alternative, but I do have to get this deal passed the finance dept (aka my lovely wife!).

Thanks,

Dennis

 

I'm not an expert, but I'll throw in my .02...

1. I don't know if the lift pump failure could have hurt anything. If it could have done something, I think it would have messed up the CP3 pump, but I would expect it to fall flat @ high throttle?

2. As I understand it the VP44 on 2nd gen trucks will still draw enough fuel to run when a lift pump fails, but they will be damaged soon by either cavitation or lack of cooling. 3rd gens are supposed to not run when the lift pump dies.

3. I've heard people say that you don't need to monitor fuel pressure in a stock 3rd gen because of #2 above, but if you wanted a cheap way there are some people that make a warning light kit that comes on like below 6 psi. I think they were around $45 or $50.

 

if you want dirt cheap, get a pressure warning light setup. either get yourself a hobbs switch to go off at 4-5psi or buy a kit [i believe bd sells one] i think that would be the cheapest way

 

I purchased a mech fuel pressure gauge complete set-up(banjo bolt,lines,shut-off valve,etc) for a dodge cummins on E-bay for $69. Problem with idiot lights or for that matter electric gauges is that you have to hook up a mechanical pressure gauge to verify the pressure light or confirm the low reading plus the idiot light gives no warning of an impending failure,plugging filter until it's almost too late.Type in "Dodge cummins fuel pressure gauge" in E-bay.