A few months ago I bought a used 2001 Dodge 2500 Diesel pickup to pull a 5th wheel. Yesterday, I started having acceleration problems, took it to the Dodge dealer and they tell me I need to replace the fuel pump. Makes sense. However ... the '01s have a fuel pump mounted on the engine block and Dodge does NOT offer a replacement part anymore. Instead they offer a new system with the fuel pump located in the fuel tank. Parts and labor are over $1,000!!!!!!!!
The dealer told me this is NOT covered under warranty because my warranty has expired. Truck has 59K miles. It seems that Dodge should cover this because they no longer offer the old part on a relatively new truck (new for a diesel, in my opinion).
I'm told I can get a replacement pump from an after market company. This is much cheaper.
I need some advice. Should I go with the cheaper option and keep the old style pump? I imagine there are thousands of Dodge diesels still running with this design??? Should I go with the new pump option? Have any of you done this and how has it worked? (I did find a thread on this forum about this and it seemed to be critical of the Dodge upgrade. Apparently, there are other companies that offer similar (and also expensive) upgrades.)
Well, what should I do??? I'm not a mechanic, so please keep your advise simple.
I have not heard about any vast improvement in placing the fuel pump in the gas tank. plus, the added labor it will take to access the fuel pump makes me think that dodge had the forethought to earn more of your money on the backend of your purchas?
but then why would they attempt to improve upon your setup? maybe had similiar issues
This fuel pump is a known problem and many folks have replaced this old system. Also try and post at dieselram.com you will get all the answers you need.
Go to Cummins dealer and try to get the "campaign"lift pump for RV/Bus/Fire applications with the 5.9.These are to be had for around $60 if you don't mention the Dodge part.... then pay someone to swap it takes less than 1 hour.
Look on TDR it's on the first couple pages of the 24 valve forum.
Or you can pay $160 at Cummins dealer if your not into telling stories.
Also the aftermarket pumps like FASS are not better than the OE pump until your over 375hp, otherwise keep it simple.
I have an 01 Dodge with Cummins Engine. When the transfer pump went out the first time at 32,000 miles, I went for an aftermarket product. This is a known issue for the 24V Cummins. The intank replacement hasn't proven itself yet. For $1,000, go for aftermarket. I used a product call the FASS system. It bolts on the frame beside the fuel tank. Plugs into the stock wiring harness. It comes with a larger fuel supply line. It has worked for me 2.5 years with no problems. Very dependable. The diesel drag racers & sled pullers use this same pump.
The pump your dealer is talking about is known as the transfer or lift pump. It lives on the side of the Cummins engine, and it exposed to all the heat and vibration the engine puts out. I had the same problem (low fuel pressure) but my truck was under warranty, so the dealer installed the in tank pump kit now offered under warranty (free). I have had no pressure issues since. I have a "low fuel pressure warning light" installed on my truck. These are available for $50 or so, and are a must for any 1998.5 to 2002 Cummins truck. See below for why the lift pump pressure is so critical. See HERE for an example of the low pressure light kit beside the FASS kit (scroll down about 1/4 the way down the page to see both).
The only issue I would be afraid of is the damage that could possibly have been done to the much more expensive VP44 injection pump (IP for short) that is fed by the lift pump (LP for short).
The IP is lubricated and cooled by the diesel fuel supplied to it by the LP. The LP is designed to pump more fuel than the Cummins can use, and the excess fuel circulates through the IP where it does it's lubing/cooling work, and is returned to the tank. If the LP is weak or not pumping at all, the IP can be damaged by this. Note that the truck will still run with a totally dead LP, but when a load is applied the IP may fail. Check the work order to see if you had/have the trouble code P0216 present. If it is not on the work order, turn the ignition key to the run position, then off three times in quick succession (do not crank engine or start the truck), then watch the digital odometer area. It should pop up any codes stored in the trucks computer. If you get the P0216 code (IP "death code"), hang onto your wallet, the IP is about $3000 to replace (parts and labor). The main cause of low pressure is a bad LP or restricted fuel filter. The fuel filter should be changed every 2nd oil change. They are cheap and aren't too hard to change once someone shows you how.
Look into getting a scotty fuel line it (www.scottysystems.ca) and a new LP.
As mentioned, you can buy that pump from a Cummins dealer for $60. Get it installed by a diesel shop - have it mounted on the frame by the tank. Also, get the scotty system ($169) and have that installed at the same time. See THIS thread for some more info on fuel line kits (including pictures).
Also, go over to the DTR (www.dieseltruckresource.com), sit down with a glass of your favorite beverage, and do some reading. You will learn a ton about how to feed and care for your new truck.
I was a new Cummins owner a year ago, and I too had a lot of questions. If you think of anything else you need, fire away on this forum or DTR. Also, feel free to send me a private message as well. I don't know it all by any means, but I have learned quite a bit of "Cummins" info this last year.
Some suggested reading (keywords to search on DTR):
"P0216"
"LP"
"in tank pump"
"FP" or "fuel pressure"
"VP44"
That will be a good start, along with the above.
* This post was
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edited 04/07/07 05:25pm by ib516 *
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2010 Cougar 322QBS 5er
2007 Dodge 3500 SRW Megacab, 4x4, 5.9L Cummins, 3.73, 48RE auto HYPERTECH MAX ENERGY
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Turn the key on and off three times leaving it on the third time and write down any code numbers that show up on the odometer. If you see a 0216, then you most likely will be replacing the VP44 injection pump also. Go to Geno's garage and purchase a fuel pressure gauge and the Vulcan big line lift pump relocation kit.
Wow!!! That was a lot of good information, very fast.
Thanks to all who replied. I think I'm going to go with the conventional pump, mounted off the engine block, and the a fuel kit (scotty?) to make the connection. Also, I'll get a fuel pressure gauge/light.
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