The Under the Hood
Show
Dear Motor Medics, My Sierra diesel truck has developed a fuel problem. I use the truck for towing daily and it now has over 200k miles on it. I replaced the fuel injectors about six months ago and the cylinder heads were replaced about 30k miles ago. The truck was running fine, then started losing power over a few hundred miles.
I took it to a dealership and they said that the entire fuel system needs to be replaced because the pump has failed and sent metal through the entire fuel system.
What do I really need to replace and can the injectors be reused?
Thank you, Kevin in Fargo, North Dakota Dear Kevin, These trucks can develop a problem with the pumps which is more common when the truck has not had a fuel system additive uses as a protectant in every tankful of fuel. The additive provides lubrication which keeps the metal parts of the pump and injectors from wearing.
When the pump starts wearing, slivers of metal will be dispersed throughout the system, which will in turn damage any moving part by contamination.
The only repair is to replace all the fuel system parts. The pump, injectors, fuel lines, tank, everything. Any parts left with contamination will cause a repeat and very expensive failure.
Once you have repaired the system make sure to use a fuel additive and make sure that the pump always has a clean air free supply of fuel to prevent starvation damage. Take care, The Motor Medics
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.