[Vwdiesel] Cummins diesel injector pump failure

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

I (Doyt) read this message from Tony Hoffman and thought the diesel list 
might appreciate it. I know some of you have Cummins diesels:

"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 useful to someone."

Tony Hoffman