I have a 99 CTD with 128,000 on her. When I turn the key I don't hear the buzz of the fuel line charging. Truck starts and runs fine. No smoke, no loss of power, no vibration or dip in mileage. I have asked around and the consensus is the rail pump or the lift pump. I have heard the horror stories about lift pumps. Any ideas here? Any things to test or look for first?

 

well you could check the fuel pressure going into the injector pump. There should be a valve on the injector pump where you can check it. The truck can still start and run without a lift pump, but only for a short while before it hurts the IP

 

fuel pressure at the injection test port
better be safe than sorry,i think i will be sorry soon while trying to skinp for being safe... :P

 

My friend noticed that too bout my truck and my lift pump was out, I drove it like that for a total for bout 2 weeks and more then have, I didnt know it was messed up. It still ran just fine but after I found out, I took it more easy.

 

Well, you may not hear the lift pump if it's located in the fuel tank. Either way, I'd get yourself a new lift pump like a FASS BEFORE you find yourself needing an injection pump.

 

Mayfair, this buzzing (for about 5 seconds) sounded like it was coming from the engine compartment, it was audible, that's why I noticed it was missing immediately.

 

Your truck has an VP44 injector pump, not a common rail system.

The only way to hear the lift pump is to crank the engine over, but don't let it start. just tap the starter, then you'll hear the lift pump running for about 20 seconds. If you have the original lift pump, it is located behind the fuel filter. If the original has gone out and was taken to Dodge to be replaced, then they put one in the fuel tank. If you have one behind the fuel filter, get rid of it. It is only a matter of time befroe it dies. If it diese and you run the truck, it will ruin your VP44 and then your looking at $2000+.

 

On my '99, I can hear the lift pump working by just turning the key to the "on" position.