First let me say that I am still convienced that the FASS is the way to go right now or the belt pump, but I like the filter system of the FASS.

Why do you need to read this, because the unit quit on me and I was surprised at the symptoms, could get you in trouble with the VP. Well a breakdown is never good luck, but I had great luck that saved the VP. I was loaded and headed home, my fuel pressure gage has no light in it and the only way I can see it is to turn on the interior light. I never look much at the gage but when turning on the light I normally look at it just by habit. I turned on the light and noticed that pulling a hill I only had about 10 pounds of pressure, not normal. I let off the throttle and the pressure stayed there, low. After a minute the pressure went to zero.

At first I thought that the pressure gage had quit, could still feel the vibration on the gage of the VP but no pressure reading. I was right in front of an exit, pulled off. NOtice that the power and everything else stayed as normal. Fifteen or twenty minutes of checking the pump and the power to it, determined that the motor was not running. I started it up and limped it into a side street beside a Hardies that was closed (1:00 AM) Next I pulled the outside brush and it all looked fine, so the unit had to come off and another pump put on or this one fixed.

About three hours of crawling under and removing the unit finally found that the inside brush had broken the copper brush lead. When I got the unit I specifically purchased an extra set of brushes, no where are they. Another hour of digging through the truck found no brushes... yep, home in my desk drawer, 140 miles away. Morning came and phone calls made, no brushes. Finally unloaded a car and drove a few miles to an alternator repair shop. They finally came up with a brush that was slightly smaller but longer and a different top plate. Cut that off, restretched the spring, unsoldered the original plate with a cigarette lighter, pushed the copper lead through the old plate and wadded it up to hold it, put it together and it runs fine.

Ok, do buy a set of brushes and keep them handy. I originally thought that this would be the weakness of the system, I was right. I found it impossible to remove the gear plate from the motor, two allen screws must be loctite installed. After over 100,000 miles the gear pump looked like new, perfect. About the only wear part is the brushes. I will install a low pressure warning light for future occurances, might not be so lucky. There is no resistance to feeding fuel to the engine with the unit down, all was normal.

How lucky I was, judging from the copper lead break, to see it just as it broke Of course, Georgia "Truck Safety Enforcement" went past several times, but luckly (again) did not bother me. I waved (using all five fingers) they did not wave back.

 

Kinda been waiting for a post like this - BIG suprise it comes from you.....

 

If there is a defect, I darn sure will find it...

 

Well, I expect the Enforcement folks were just suprised that you were using all your fingers. They probably were not used to that and were worried that you were some kind of nut.

Glad you got it figured out in time. With your past experiences, I hope things work out better. However, if I need some expert help when Wifey makes me run down to the coast, I know who I'll holler for...
Thanks for the heads up.

Ed

 

Wow. You've already got 100k miles on that pump. That's impressive. I have yet to have a pump last me over 20k. Glad to hear your got everything back up and running and it was only a small problem.

 

HiD
Thanks for the heads up. I think I read somewere the brushes should be checked annually but I cant find it in the FASS manual? Any how sounds like another spare item to add to the " KEEP IT RUN WHILE ON THE ROAD KIT" Did you get your spares from DPP?

 

Yes, I ordered a pair of brushes and another regulator spring, came in a couple of days and cost six dollars or so.

 

I would think you could get a job testing new diesel parts and forget driving alltogether.....

 

HID,

"Yes, I ordered a pair of brushes and another regulator spring"

Who did you order from?

Are you talking about a fuel regulator spring?

Is there a manual for repairing the pump? If so where did you get it?

Thanks,

George

 

Just sent them an e-mail to get me a set on the way.

 

See Dixie! Its that used oil you are putting in yer fuel!

I'm impressed you soldered with a cig lighter? Man you would be handy to take on a camping trip! Do you cook too?

 

I think out of necessity Bill has become a McGyver through the years.

I bet he could rewire, rebuild, swap out an engine, tranny, & rear end in his sleep.

Keep on keeping on Bill we love ya man. (in a manlly sort of way)

 

Why am I not surprised at that one???? I have to admit that when it quit I wondered if that nasty black oil had plugged the filter or trashed the pump... and I thought "Gieco was right" .
Then I started thinking right..

Oh yeah and gandrews, its good to see that I am not the only one that has trouble reading posts. I was asked if I purchased brushes from DPP, I answered, yes I ordered a regulator spring and brushes. You do not need a regulator spring, I was experimenting with pressure.