Engine Fuel Transfer/Lift Pump Failure Question

[jetar]

Have a 2001 with a 350 Cummins. After 55,000 miles the Transfer/Lift pump failed in June. This is the pump that transfers/lifts the fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injector pump and is located on the top passenger side of the engine. In the 6 months and less than 5,000 miles later I have had the engine computer rebooted to reset a fault on the new transfer/lift pump and yesterday had the lift pump replaced again due to electrical failure within the pump. This was all done due to fault codes which showed after the "eng maint" light on the dashboard lighted up. Have not used USLD fuel yet so that is not an issue, nor have I had any water in fuel problems or for that matter I have not had any engine issues which would indicate a transfer/lift pump problem eg problem starting or running engine.

Cummins says they do not have ongoing transfer/lift pump problems, but my local servicing center, not a cummins shop, says they replace a lot of these pumps and have them in stock.

Any others with problems, am concerned now about reliabilty of this pump? Please reply with comments and thanks.

[jetar]

Have a 2001 with a 350 Cummins. After 55,000 miles the Transfer/Lift pump failed in June. This is the pump that transfers/lifts the fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injector pump and is located on the top passenger side of the engine. In the 6 months and less than 5,000 miles later I have had the engine computer rebooted to reset a fault on the new transfer/lift pump and yesterday had the lift pump replaced again due to electrical failure within the pump. This was all done due to fault codes which showed after the "eng maint" light on the dashboard lighted up. Have not used USLD fuel yet so that is not an issue, nor have I had any water in fuel problems or for that matter I have not had any engine issues which would indicate a transfer/lift pump problem eg problem starting or running engine.

Cummins says they do not have ongoing transfer/lift pump problems, but my local servicing center, not a cummins shop, says they replace a lot of these pumps and have them in stock.

Any others with problems, am concerned now about reliabilty of this pump? Please reply with comments and thanks.

[hrhuggie]

Jetar,
there seems to be a lot of discussion about Cummins lift pumps and ULSD. Even though you dont run ULSD, they do provide some info on the apparent ongoing problem with the pump. I guess the newer pumps are sealed vs a o-ring arrangement which seemed to be the problem people were having with the pump, where you seem to be having a problem with failure. See this linkhttp://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9686094452/m/1041079603?r=5301016703#5301016703
for one of them or go to "Find" and type in Lift Pump to see others. I dont know what the answer really is, weather Cummins is right or the dealer.

[EngineerMike]

The Injection Pump needs fuel for internal lubrication and it is a spendy gizmo. Unless there is a substantial fuel draw by the engine (severe foot-on-pedalitis), the IP will create sufficient vacuum to draw fuel under most conditions without assist by the LP. However, protracted LP failure means you eventually starve the IP to some extent and cause internal wear. If you have gotten your repairs timely, I wouldn't worry about other engine issues as a result.

[ChuckCz]

Jetar,
I don't believe that Cummins tracks the issues of the exact failures of there lift pumps.....In other words the Technician " Parts Changer" Simply removes the part in question and drops it in the round container. Then goes to the parts dept. and picks up a new one at a cost to you and me of $250 and 1 hr.labor of around $100. "PRESTO" we are back on the road......But wait this happened to me and possibly others that have had a fuel leaks on the ISC's pump before the ULSD fuel came out.
I asked for my old pump back,and found that the three bolts that hold the top to the impeller housing were hand tite thus the leak. The tech. stated that he did not need to remove or touch the three bolts to remove the pump.....SOOOO all you ISC owners please chech your pump bolts. Just lift your bed and on the curb side front of engine you can see the pump w/3,1/4" bolts Check them from time to time.
It is my hope that Cummins sells only the parts that need to be replaced, and we all save $$$

Ps. I will be at the "Desert Rat Rally" and help W/pump issues ( if I can) anybody interested just look me up........

[Mike & Nancy]

Chuck.........Can I look you up to have you get my roof as clean as yours (Tom's picture) ??????

[ChuckCz]

Mike & Nancy, That's a big 10-4.......Will you be at thr DRR?

[jetar]

Hey guys this is a serious issue for me and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't hijack the thread. Suggest you use private message system as I am looking for insight!