The sun is shining, got to get out there and get to work. IMGTX and I have been surely but slowly working on my D350. It kept losing prime, I lost interest due to frustration thinking it might be the VE injector pump. It sat from 2011 or 2012. We dropped the tank put some B20 rated fuel and return lines in, removed the factory plastic. Put new Viton O rings in. No crud, algae, or mud in the old fuel. I have added some fuel system cleaner to it just to be sure. I have topped it off. last year. I pressurized the tank, and system with a fuel cap that I gutted the venting part installed a metal Schrader valve. Got 5.8lba max in there with my cheapy 12V inflator. It blew the fuse or melted the connection. I haven't looked into it. Ran an air hose from the shop and put it more air than I was told that might be safe. No leaks anywhere.

Fast forward I stumbled upon a Fleece in tank pump set up for the 1st Gen. Claimed it would fit 91-98 12 valves. $900 or so shipped. OUCH!!! I got to looking around for a '98 factory style in tank assembly. Got one from Advance/Carquest for $166 OTD! Turns out it's a Carter pump. I looked up the model number on the Carter website. Claim is 19.8lbs minimum. Real world in my driveway says 18lbs on the dot. I am guessing that is going to be a constant? Yes? No? Maybe?

I still have the factory type diaphragm lift pump on the block. I am thinking of running these in series. Will factory pump step down the pressure? I understand too much pressure will blow out the shaft seal on the VE. I well respected member on a Cummins site tells me he has been running one of his pumps on 20lbs.

I do have a small bore Gen2 piston pump. Not sure what it is rated at, 30lbs(?) However I got a lighter music wire spring from Fastenal that is supposed to lower the out put to 15lbs per 2 different Youtubers one being "Cutterup" if you are familiar with his content.

For now I am going to plug in a Mr.Gasket regulator turned up to 5 1/2 or 6 whatever the max is going in the line before the factory pump. The pressure gauge is back in Nashville at IMGTX's house. The sun is shining, cold wind is blowing fuggit! Time to get to work!

I am shopping for a 30lb gauge and can't seem to find one for less than $80 that's illuminated. Lots of $20 gauges with no pods.

Presently I've installed a 3200 governor spring, and a THD fuel pin. Did a preliminary adjustment. Plans are HX35 turbo, +50hp Bosch rebuilds from DAP, 4" Diamond Eye exhaust, and modifying the air filtration. Issipro boost and EGT gauges. All of that stuff is in my living room waiting for this beast to go faster than 55mph!

Think it will live with 18lbs? Will a mechanical pump cut the pressure some? Is there a better regulator that can be set to 15?

Happy to be back here!!

My 24 Valve did about 18 psi in full bypass engine off, about 15psi cruising and around 12 psi both feet flat on the floor with an aftermarket stock style replacement pump. The factory spec was 5-7 psi IIRC.

I would bypass the original lift pump as it will just be a restriction. 18 psi is pretty much stock spec for a 12v from what I read and the more you step on it the less it will be.

Just use an oil pressure gauge if you need something with a light in it. Diesel fuel is oil technically. Lol.

Kevin

VE pumps are sensitive to inlet pressure and can blow the front seal out. The 24 valve trucks didn't use that pump so information not applicable.

The stock lift pump can support your proposed mods. I'd focus on the loss of prime more than anything.

Can you rig a clear fuel line from lift to filter? If there's air bubbles your sucking air from lift to tank.

Cracked nipples on the sender are common. Possibly a leak in the suction tube ?

From the FSM. Fuel Pressure: 18-24psi at idle, 28-36 at 2000 rpm with no load.

With a 12 valve and VE pump? This isn't a P pump motor. P started in '94.

Great idea!!

The FSM bible says 3lbs minimum on page 14-86. I'm not finding maximum pressure. This lift pump looks like a carb'd gasoline motor. It has a lever on the back side of the pump to prime the system.

Okay, 3-5psi off the lift pump found it on page 14-83.