bad lift pump?

[Hines76]

i have a 1991 ram 250 with a 12v and it keeps dying. the first time was about 2 weeks ago when it really started to get cold. i started it in the morning and let it run for 5-10 min. i took off for work and i only got about 2 miles and i lost all throttle response and it just died. wouldnt start back up just cranks. i thought it was gelled but it wasnt. after i got it started i put cetane boost in it and it has died 2 more times since. this last time when i tried priming the filter the pump didnt seem to have any preasure when i was pushing the lever. is my lift pump bad? sorry if this is a dumb question but i dont know much about diesels yet. any help will be greaty appreciated.

[712edf]

The lift pump is a likely cause, either from actually being weak/bad or having issues getting proper voltage going to it. That may/may not apply to yours since things changed over the years with the diesels. The injection systems on these trucks have gotten less mechanical & more electrical/computer as they have progressed.

Fuel pressure gauges are recommended.

If you scroll back through this forum you will likely find how to solve your fuel issues.

Bucky

[Tom Petroff]

Your Lift Pump(LP) Is mechanical.
You may have to "bump" the starter to make sure the pump is not on the high end of the cam lobe.
Then check for presure by pumping the lever.
I would check with the filter removed. Also you can check by cranking over the engine with the starter.
If no fuel is present,and your 100% sure your not gelled,replace the pump.
TGP

[Hines76]

ok the first time it did this i took the filter off to replace it and when it was off i cranked the engine and fuel came out. the second time it died i had just left work one night and i only made it about a half mile. my friend's dad pulled me back up to the shop and my boss let me keep it inside all night. the next morning i primed the filter and used some starting fluid and it fired right up. its been sittin for about three days since the last time it died cause its been so cold out. i will try takin the filter off again thisafternoon. thanks for the help.

[Tom Petroff]

Sounds like your gelling to me.
There are a lot of products out, some great, some snake oil.
We stay with the tried and true Power Service brand.
If you get flow again in a warm garage you have fuel issues.
If not replace the pump.
Be very careful spraying starting fluid around engines with glow plogs or in your case grid heaters.
You should disable them first.
Think about it; what would happen if you sprayed either into a toaster ?
TGP

[Hines76]

sorry it has taken so long for me to reply. been workin a lot of hours at the shop. anyway i put a new lift pump on the truck a few weeks ago and it has been running fine. thank you for all the help. i do have one more question though. my plan is to put the 12v and getrag in my 76 w100 and using a divorced 205. will this be strong enough behind the cummins if i have a hd driveshaft made?

[Gordon Maney]

Sounds like your gelling to me.
There are a lot of products out, some great, some snake oil.
We stay with the tried and true Power Service brand.
If you get flow again in a warm garage you have fuel issues.
If not replace the pump.
Be very careful spraying starting fluid around engines with glow plogs or in your case grid heaters.
You should disable them first.
Think about it; what would happen if you sprayed either into a toaster ?
TGP

I think the toast might not taste right and it could be hard on the toaster....

[Tom Petroff]

sorry it has taken so long for me to reply. been workin a lot of hours at the shop. anyway i put a new lift pump on the truck a few weeks ago and it has been running fine. thank you for all the help. i do have one more question though. my plan is to put the 12v and getrag in my 76 w100 and using a divorced 205. will this be strong enough behind the cummins if i have a hd driveshaft made?

Glad to hear you have it fixed.
You will not have a strength issue with the 205.
It's a lot stronger and heaver than what there putting behind it now.

TGP

[Tom Petroff]

I think the toast might not taste right and it could be hard on the toaster....

HAHA
Gordon Your hilarious!!
BTW,
How's your truck fuel issue coming along?
I know you diagnosed it,corrected it,have you drove it?
TGP

[Gordon Maney]

HAHA
Gordon Your hilarious!!
BTW,
How's your truck fuel issue coming along?
I know you diagnosed it,corrected,it,have you drove it?
TGP

Yes, I have driven it. The truck runs better, I believe, than it has in a long time. As a minor aside, I have a fuel leak, I think at the filter, and have to fix that. I don't have time now to work on it, as I am assembling an issue.

I have issues, you know.

[Tom Petroff]

Yes, I have driven it. The truck runs better, I believe, than it has in a long time. As a minor aside, I have a fuel leak, I think at the filter, and have to fix that. I don't have time now to work on it, as I am assembling an issue.

I have issues, you know.

Well that is Great News! (on the truck)
That was sure a learning experience for many.

On the issue part ; no comment,ha
TGP

[Desoto61]

I think the toast might not taste right and it could be hard on the toaster....

That's what the butter is for, besides think how fast your toast would be done!