Re: Replaced leaking lift pump - dying engine
Reply #21 –
Most all diesels except some CATs, return the majority of fuel to the fuel tank. There is a spring loaded valve, either located at the injection pump or in our case after the last unit injector to keep pressure and not allow fuel to run to the tank after the engine is shut off making it much harder to start the next time. It's a must to keep the fuel system full without letting air into the system.
A good hand pump will generate more pressure than the relief valve allows so will send the excess fuel back to the tank.
This return/relief valve can wear, get deposits on it, etc. This is a reason to occasional check to see if it's leaking and not allowing specified pressure to be in the injection pump. Low pressure will cause a loss of power and hard starting plus may cause increased wear due to insufficient lubrication.
This is one of the reasons that I installed a pressure gauge on the output side of the secondary filter. Other reasons include filter conditions as well as lift pump operation.
This is what a Bosch overflow valve looks like on a Bosch "P" pump: Amazon.com: 1417413047 Disel Pump Overflow Valve for Dodge Cummins 5.9L...
Most all diesels need them from simple mechanical diesels to cutting edge high pressure common rail engines. A video to explain them here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxpq1LfG584
Pierce
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