Hello, I am new to this site. I just bought a 2001 cummins dodge. The truck has 80,000 miles on it. My questions are what parts fail the most. Ive been reading in the forums and it seems like the lift pump and the fuel pump are the weak links. Is this correct? If so what are the signs that they are failing? Also, what other components fail quite regularly? Is there anything more than what the owners manual says to replace when I do a tune up? I heard somewhere that you can put a fuel pressure guage somewhere to see if you fuel pump is about to take a dump. Any help on the cummins weak links would be greatly app. Thanks.

 

Welcome!

First, go under USER CP and fill in your signature with information on your truck.

Next, check out the TECH FACTS area for some really good information on parts for your '01.

Then, try the SEARCH button if the site isn't too busy to find endless hours of reading about lift pumps, VP-44 Injection Pumps, balljoints, trackbars, fuel tank senders, etc. Many of the "weak links" may or may not appear. I have had extremely good luck with my truck!! I have a Mexican block, no steering troubles, can suck the fuel tank to the E line and still have 5 gallons of #2 left, and my 47RE auto transmission is still tight and smooth. I am just shy of 175,000 miles now and very happy.

Yes, the fuel system is the weak link for our 24valve engines, but as you heard, put a fuel pressure gauge in to monitor your lift pump pressure and you might save the Injection pump frfom fuel starvation. Many diesel accessory dealers listed in the LINKS area can supply you with anything you may need to monitor your new truck properly. I am in agreement with the masses here that gauges are the very first mod/addition that should be done to our trucks. Following that, the possibilities for more power and high performance are only limited by your bank account!! Hold on to your wallet, as reading here will get you yearning to do some serious BOMBing!!

 

What Z said.

 

Thank you very much for the info. Finally someone with actual hands on (so to speak) exp. The guage thing sounds like it will be one of my first upgrades. I know what EGT is and where you want it to be but what about Boost? If the boost gets too high will it cause damage to the engine? Thanks again.

 

if i were you i would just get a fass or air dog system then you don't have to worry about the fuel pressure and it gets rid of the lift pump. the stock turbo can only handle 35 psi, i have hit 45psi with mine but i back off real quik. the boost won't hurt the engine until you get to around 50psi then you have the possibilty of blowing a head gasket, boost doesn't really hurt thd engine it burns the fuel more efficently

 

The fass system is what Ive been hearing alot about lately. Im guessing that it is a seperate pump? Where can I get info on it? How much $$ is it?

 

peirs has them i think they are around $600 but well worth it. a lift pump will cost you $150 and if the injector pump goes out that will cost you over $1000.

 

get some high flow banjo bolts too, haisley has them i think for around $35 they are suppose to help fuel pressure

 

Best price I found on a FASS (6 months ago) was at City Muffler...they advertise on this site. Closer to $500.00. Would still recommend a Fuel Pressure Gauge.
Lots of info already discussed...read the threads in Accessories Section.
FASS web site here ... http://www.dieselpp.com/

Good Luck,

RJ

 

Stock I don't think too high of boost is much concern. I like my boost gauge to help temper my right foot! High boost = poor mileage, but also = more fun! The other good use is to monitor for boost leaks! Have a couple clamps come loose, and all that nice efficiency gained from your turbo will be blowing by under your truck. When you start adding boxes or other mods that will benefit from/produce more boost, then it is useful to monitor how much pressure is going to the engine. Too much and say good bye to the stock headgasket and head bolts, and Heloo to head studs and possibly O-ringed mating surfaces! It takes money to play hard, but overal fun is really very affardable, especially compared to a gasser!!