Dodge Cummins Engine Concern

[dodge man]

The early common rail Cummins, roughly 2003 to the early 2004 model years had the lift pump mounted to the back of the filter housing. They were not known for lasting long and were often moved to the later design, which was in the fuel tank, under warranty. That is what happened with my truck before I bought it. Should you replace it just for the sake of replacing it? I've never been a big fan of that but I would go with the in tank unit if you do.

 

[Furu]

The early common rail Cummins, roughly 2003 to the early 2004 model years had the lift pump mounted to the back of the filter housing. They were not known for lasting long and were often moved to the later design, which was in the fuel tank, under warranty. That is what happened with my truck before I bought it. Should you replace it just for the sake of replacing it? I've never been a big fan of that but I would go with the in tank unit if you do.

So did moving the lift pump into the tank fix the common failure mode or does it just make it more difficult to replace when it fails.
From your statement if I understand it correctly, the 2006 came with the pump in the tank since it is the later design and not at the filter housing?

 

[dodge man]

So did moving the lift pump into the tank fix the common failure mode or does it just make it more difficult to replace when it fails.
From your statement if I understand it correctly, the 2006 came with the pump in the tank since it is the later design and not at the filter housing?

Yes having the pump in the tank made them last longer. I'm almost positive that your truck would have the pump in the tank. Yes, they are a ***** to change, you either have to drop the tank or lift the bed of the truck. People that have done it say its easier to lift the bed.

 

[roadhunter]

Yes having the pump in the tank made them last longer. I'm almost positive that your truck would have the pump in the tank. Yes, they are a ***** to change, you either have to drop the tank or lift the bed of the truck. People that have done it say its easier to lift the bed.

I've dropped the tank on my truck with only the tools I had with me before. not fun but not impossible. If you were at home it would not be that bad.

 

[mikehaugen]

I think the dealer will remove the bed instead of dropping the tank. They did on my dad's truck anyway.

 

[woodskiff]

The last few posters kinda confirm what I've heard from other folks also. I still like my stock lift pump setup...although, I once was caught up in all the hysterics and was going to change to a frame mounted, after market lift pump, with an inline filter, blaa, blaa, blaa. You know what?..I just drive it and enjoy it and stopped worrying about all that could happen.

 

[firemanmike69]

Hi Firemanmike69, The 98.5-2002/2nd generation 24V Cummins Ram utilized a VP44 pump and when the lift pump failed it failed in an expensive way. 2003 started the 3rd Generation, common rail engines. The filter mounted lift pump was a consistent weak spot in the fuel delivery but the failure did not create bigger issues to the repair. I believe, that by 2005 all the diesel rams had the fuel tank pumps.

Trust me brother I know ALL about that,finally went to a mechanical lift pump on my 2nd gen, thanks for the heads up about the early common rail trucks too

 

[PapaPerk]

That's not a truck problem. Its a salt problem that happens to all brands.

Really? My 1987 Chevy has the original calipers.

 

[wmonroe]

Sounds interesting. Can you go into a little more detail on how to do this and how to get the output result.

I just checked mine last night after I changed the oil. Turn the key to on (don't start it), make sure the odometer is showing the mileage not the trip mileage, push the button that would normally toggle to trip mileage but hold it down instead of releasing it like normal, hold for 5-10 seconds (can't remember exactly) and the engine hours will appear. I'm just under 2400 hours on mine.

 

[RickB]

Really? My 1987 Chevy has the original calipers.

Does that 1987 have disc rear brakes? I bet not. If it does, you're just plain lucky.
My 2004 GMC seizes up the rear calipers readily if not looked after. Salt damage is LOTS more prevalent in rear calipers than front.