Working through some system issues (pressure related)

[Marv]

Over the past week, I've had a few issues getting the system to maintain pressure while driving the truck. Back last Tuesday, I ran the vegi tank pretty low before I could fill it back up. Wednesday morning, I filled the tank and when I went out for lunch, the system started switching on and off under heavy acceleration. Never would have suspected it was the filter again (only had 1000 miles on it), so I started considering other options.

After talking with Clay and Jason multiple times (big thanks to them...as usual they provided a TON of help!!!), I started troubleshooting a number of different things.

After it was all said and done, I cleaned the pre-screen (looked good), pulled the pressure regulator, cleaned it with compressed air (looked good) and checked/reset it to the factory setting. The other suggestion Jason had was to pull the pump and inspect/clean it. So, I got it off there and snapped a few pics while it was off. Figured other folks would want to know what all is in there.

First, the regulator...





Pump...



Intermediate mounting plate...



I'll put a pic of the gasket in the next post....board limits on pics in a post won't let me put it here.

Long story short, the system still would not work after inspecting/cleaning all the above. Therefore, I blew out the supply line with air, cleaned/inspected the pick up tube, checked the voltage at the pump and inspected the fittings.

Still wouldn't work right...

So, as a last resort, I changed the filter tonight. I was waiting on them from DFA and finally got them in yesterday. Slapped a new one on there, fired it up, it switched over and pressure read almost right at 64-65 psi.

So far, so good. We'll see how it does tomorrow after a 100+ mile test drive.

Also, a few notes on the pump. You'll notice on the pump face, that there is an o-ring groove for sealing. The o-ring is not in the pic, but be sure you have this little jewel in there when you put it back in. First time around, it washed out and into the drain pan while I was working. Never noticed it until I dumped the pan into a trash cube. So...after a few aggravating minutes, I got back under there and pulled it back off and made sure the o-ring went in as it should. If you're like me, you'll have a flood of oil coming out, so it's easier than it seems to let that thing fall/wash out of place. And it'll almost immediately seep oil if it's not in correctly.

Also, make sure you have the top plate turned around correctly before getting all of it together and starting the screws. Trust me, it'll aggravate you when you realize it's backwards and it'll all have to come back apart for a third time.

Anyways, not real sure why my filter might have failed so soon. Perhaps it was a bum filter...I'm not sure. Regardless, I'll be watching this one pretty close to see how long it lasts. If it takes a dump in another 1000 miles, I'll have to do some more investigating. Don't think it's my oil - using the same process as Clay and so far it's worked fine.

I'll keep ya'll posted...

Thanks!

[Marv]

Here's a shot of the gasket...

Goes between mounting plate and the module...



Also, note the alignment pin in the above pictures...make sure you have this too.

All pieces are pinned, so they only go together correctly one way.

[greasyX]

Marv,i had same symtoms in april-may,been there fixed that(Jason fixed).If that pump is still not working,check "brushes",i tried EVERYTHING under the sun,then jason(fordnut74)had me mail across country to him.He took it apart and sure enough WVO had got in there,this causes a dead spot on motor of pump(think Roullette,or selonoid on a starter).When it stops there or close it causes no juice to pump,V3 sees error light blinky,blinky.I chased this for 3 weeks,went through whole system twice(thanks spotty).This is the last thing you expect,but if you haven't got to the bottom of it yet,get out the multi-meter.goodluck..........greasy

[Fordnut74]

Marv- Thank you for being patient and attempting to isolate this. Sorry I was not able to get back in touch with you today. If the new filter does not cut it, let me know and we will cover some other stuff.

[Clay]

The filter? whowouldathunkit?
1000 miles on the filter with the method of filtering your using almost makes me think it was a defective filter...
Also 65 psi is low to me...thats close to where i would be changing the filter (60). my normal pressure sits at about 78 -80 psi.

[Marv]

Marv,i had same symtoms in april-may,been there fixed that(Jason fixed).If that pump is still not working,check "brushes",i tried EVERYTHING under the sun,then jason(fordnut74)had me mail across country to him.He took it apart and sure enough WVO had got in there,this causes a dead spot on motor of pump(think Roullette,or selonoid on a starter).When it stops there or close it causes no juice to pump,V3 sees error light blinky,blinky.I chased this for 3 weeks,went through whole system twice(thanks spotty).This is the last thing you expect,but if you haven't got to the bottom of it yet,get out the multi-meter.goodluck..........greasy

Greasy, it's ironic you posted this...I was considering that possibility last night as I was laying under the truck changing the filter. I wondered if the FASS was a completely sealed unit and whether or not it was possible for WVO to get into the pump. I can only assume it has some sort of viton gaskets in it to stand up to the WVO.

I have noticed some greasy spots from oil residue on the bottom of the pump. But, I think that is left over from the river of oil I had flowing when I pulled the pump off.

I plan on dropping the module down this evening and checking the torque on the pump bolts again to make sure I've got them snug. Just for reference, Jason told me they shoot for 110 inch-pounds on those bolts.

If it continues to show up after that, and the system still goes on and off, I might talk to Jason about that as a possibility.

Thanks!

[Marv]

Marv- Thank you for being patient and attempting to isolate this. Sorry I was not able to get back in touch with you today. If the new filter does not cut it, let me know and we will cover some other stuff.

No problem Jason, I totally understand. I really appreciate all the help you've provided...wouldn't know where to start without yours and Clay's help.

Believe it or not, I'm glad I've had to troubleshoot these types of things and take some of the system apart. It's good experience for me...helps me learn what's going on in there.

I'll keep you posted on the filter. Got about 60 miles on it so far and everything is working as it should.

Thanks!

[greasyX]

don't forget to torque like lugnuts,across from ech other to insure uniform torque on seal....greasy

[Marv]

The filter? whowouldathunkit?
1000 miles on the filter with the method of filtering your using almost makes me think it was a defective filter...
Also 65 psi is low to me...thats close to where i would be changing the filter (60). my normal pressure sits at about 78 -80 psi.

Haha...I knew you'd say that!

I'm thinking the same thing about the filter...but, I guess time will tell with this new one.

Well, I was wondering the same thing about the pressure. I knew you said your was closer to 75psi most of the time, so I didn't know if yours was set higher from DFA or if you had adjusted it up. Also, I'm sure there is some error present with the method I'm using to check pressure. I'm sure your gauge is more accurate than my tire gauge.

My pressure regulator is set at all the way out and 2 1/8 turns back in, just as Jason told me. Clay, do you have any idea what yours is set at? Ever check it?


I also wondered if there would be any issues with upping the pressure via the regulator. However, I'm not sure if turning it farther in increases the pressure of if running it farther out increases it. I'd assume turning it in, but could be wrong.

Jason, do you recommend adjusting the pressure up?

Thanks!

[Marv]

don't forget to torque like lugnuts,across from ech other to insure uniform torque on seal....greasy

Roger that! That was my plan! :cheers:

[Clay]

never checked mine...it was preset to that pressure when i got it and i haven't touched it. Turn it another 1/4 turn in or out and take a reading on the schrader valve...would be easy enough.

[Marv]

never checked mine...it was preset to that pressure when i got it and i haven't touched it. Turn it another 1/4 turn in or out and take a reading on the schrader valve...would be easy enough.

That was my thought as well. Might try that this afternoon. I actually has planned on checking the pressure again anyways just to see what it looked like.

I may adjust it up closer to 70 psi.

[Clay]

run it to 75...filters will last longer.

[Marv]

run it to 75...filters will last longer.

Roger that...will do!

[Marv]

Well, adjusted the pressure this evening. Another quarter turn netted me about 10 psi.

So, now it's setting right at 75psi. Headed on about a 600-700 mile trip tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes.

By the way, you turn the regulator clockwise to increase pressure.

Thanks!