Hey Guys
Well after the death of my fourth lift pump in 16 mos, I finally received and began the install of my FASS system last night. The unit is impressive to say the least. I am taking photos throughout the install and will add them to my gallery, so all can share.
So far some lessons learned to help any others doing the conversion. You really need long arms to reach the top of the tank to get to the quick disconnect . (I have a 39" reach and felt reach challenged on more than one occasion ) I found that if you maneuver a can of brake cleaner up there and clean the connection the removal of the factory tank suction quick disconnect is easier. I also cut the suction line and rotated it to make grasping the tabs on the factory fittings more accessible. I was also able to get the fuel tank filler tube cut and the pump return connection installed before it got too dark.
I am going out this morning to beging the mounting of the pump/filter housing assembly. I may have to re-drill the bolt holes on the bracket that attaches to the frame as I had running boards on my truck when I bought it. What this means is that no matter which way I turn the main mounting bracket, the brackets for the running boards are in the way . The only discrepency i have noted in the install procedure from DPP is the fact that they recommend the use of TEFLON TAPE when installing the line fittings to the filter housing. This is severe NO NO!!!! I highly recommend Permatex High-Temp Thread Sealant Part #59235. I am intimately familiar with this product as we use it on all Diesel applications during reassembly after inspection etc. It is endorsed by all the big Diesel manufacturers and will not disintegrate and go to the filter or your system like the tape will. More to follow............
R/
Eric

 

Just wishing you luck with he rest of the install, have fun with it.

 

Keith installed mine, (after the death of my fourth lift pump along the road near Lynchburg in November), when I went out to Forest City Diesel for new clutch. Never again will I deal with that stupid LP. Bye bye LP problems.

 

FYI... after fighting to get the hose off the tank for a while, I found it much easier to climb under the truck and position myself between the tank and the driveshaft. From this position I was able to see the top of the tank and get two hands up there at the same time. I ended up using a flat head to get the bottom tab.

 

Funny you should bring this up....my first project is to update the Install and Trouble Shooting manual when i start work at DPP this monday........I will keep all coments like this in mind when reworking it! Thanks!

EDIT: Got to thinking.....any fittings requiring Tape are not going directly to the VP-44/P7100/VE. The Outtlet on the FASS is factory installed and is an AN compression fitting (no tape required). All fittings that need tape will go through the filter/water seporator before it gets to the injection Pump. The only issue i can see is the return to the tank. Some tape might get into the tank...but it will be cought by the pick up screen. (This is the only issue i can see.).....but one would have to use a TON of tape for this to happen. Even the HPFP has the Stock fuel filter down stream. But i will make a note to bring this up to Brad and changes will be made. Its a simple enough solution.

 

Micah,

I installed my FASS yesterday and i ended up doing the same to get the suction line off. I got mad and just ended up popping it off with a flatblade screwdriver. I saw the teflon tape thing and was like , so i just used a bit on the upper threads. I figure it is upstream of the fuel filter so it should catch any that goes by, but like mentioned above it prolly ain't a good idea to use it. Fuel pressure sitting at 18 PSI constantly. I see a little diesel around my tank after the install, i don't if the new quick connect is leaking or maybe some diesel ran out of the original suction line........have to take another look today.

 

diesel running down the tank a few days is normal. Its fuel in the stock fuel line flowing back out. This should clear up in a few days.

 

Dan;
In reference to the teflon tape. It is stated in the install instructions that you should use teflon tape to install the fittings for the tank suction and discharge to the engine(ports T and E) using teflon tape. The only reason I made that a caution, was due to the incidents I have seen with people getting overboard with the tape. Granted there is a tremendos amount of filtration there, but i am one to ere to the extra safe side. The paste from permatex does a superb job with regards to sealing the threads as they are screwed into the pump/filter body assembly and felyt that may be of assistance to those who are making the install, and ensuring no liquid seepage from those areas. By the way, I am jealous you get to go to work for a place that makes goodies for the trucks we all so dearly love!!!!!!!!!!!
R/
Eric

 

yeah.....its still hasnt set in just yet.....im very nervous that i will do a good job...but i couldnt pass it up! BUT you can bet i am going to use this site to get ideas and such.....we shall see how it goes......