[V8] Newer Cummins Dodge - NAC

Tony and Lillie tonyandlillie1 at earthlink.net
Wed Oct 26 23:58:19 EDT 2005


So, while driving my work truck, I've come across a design flaw I want to share. Mostly in case some of you have them for tow rigs, work trucks, or such. As I understand, this includes all Cummins 24 valve Diesel equipped Dodge trucks. Maybe even the 12-valves, but I'm not sure.

Subject is a 1999 Dodge 2500 4X4. I was accelerating as usual, got to 30MPH, and it quit. Just like I had shut the key off!! After some calling around and troubleshooting, I've come across a common problem which is considered to be a design flaw. How bad, you ask? A local (Las Vegas) Diesel shop does 5-6 repairs a month on these. To the tune of $2800 each.

The flaw is this. There is a pump that supplies fuel to the injector pump. It is electric, and as it dies, the pressure to feed the injection pump is too low, Through this continued low pressure, the injection pump goes bad. That's the big expense. The "transfer pump" is only $190 at FLAPS. THe injection pump is the big expense.

Anyhow, what is recommended is to put a pressure gauge on the line, to monitor it. Then, when it starts getting low, replace the transfer pump. This saves the injection pump form the undue stress of sucking to fuel it needs.

And, just so you know, I drive this truck HARD!! It showed no signs of any sort of problem, right up till the moment it quit. No lack of power or otherwise.

Anyhow, hope this info is usefull to someone.

Tony Hoffman


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