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  • Figure this one out....

    Hey Guys,

    Having a little trouble with the v3.
    So far, I've logged about 50,000 miles on this rig and it's been running 100% perfect. 1999 E350 7.3, now it has about 145,000 miles on it, almost all on veggie.

    A few days ago the system went down completely. I changed the filter and cleaned a very gunky pre-screen. It didn't switch over on auto mode, and when I tried to switch it to manual, the light didn't turn on. (it should always illuminate when switched to manual, even if its running on diesel, correct?).

    The breaker under the hood was fine, but I found a blown fuse on the timer cards. 15 amp fuse, the pump fuse I believe. I replaced it and the system ran fine for the rest of the day. Today it wouldn't switch over to veggie in auto mode. Checked pre-screen and changed filter, but still nothing.

    Any ideas???? I was thinking that there was a blockage in the system that caused the pump to blow a fuse. Maybe that has happened again? The light turns on when I switch it to manual mode, so I don't think it's the same issue.

    Any troubleshooting suggestions? Thanks guys!

    -Andy

  • #2
    Originally posted by Greenvans View Post
    Hey Guys,

    Having a little trouble with the v3.
    So far, I've logged about 50,000 miles on this rig and it's been running 100% perfect. 1999 E350 7.3, now it has about 145,000 miles on it, almost all on veggie.

    A few days ago the system went down completely. I changed the filter and cleaned a very gunky pre-screen. It didn't switch over on auto mode, and when I tried to switch it to manual, the light didn't turn on. (it should always illuminate when switched to manual, even if its running on diesel, correct?).

    The breaker under the hood was fine, but I found a blown fuse on the timer cards. 15 amp fuse, the pump fuse I believe. I replaced it and the system ran fine for the rest of the day. Today it wouldn't switch over to veggie in auto mode. Checked pre-screen and changed filter, but still nothing.

    Any ideas???? I was thinking that there was a blockage in the system that caused the pump to blow a fuse. Maybe that has happened again? The light turns on when I switch it to manual mode, so I don't think it's the same issue.

    Any troubleshooting suggestions? Thanks guys!

    -Andy
    Andy,
    Any luck verifying that the pump fuse is OK the second time? If it is OK, can you verify that the pump is running by touch or sound (system warmed up). Any gunk in the pre-filter screen the second time? If so, any contamination in the tank and/or supply line? How cold is the weather? Have adequate insulation from V3 back to tank? Have adequate heat in tank? Done a pressure check with system warmed up? - Patrick

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by Greenvans View Post
      I changed the filter and cleaned a very gunky pre-screen.
      -Andy
      What did the 'gunk' look like? What do you think it was? When was last time ya cleaned that screen?
      2001 F350 XLT 4x4, dually flatbed. 6637 air filter, single-shot injectors, straight-piped, BTS tunes, 200 gal main VO tank - 180k greasy miles
      2000 Excursion Limited 4x4. V3, AIS intake, BTS trans & tunes - 120k VO miles
      veggiegarage.com authorized installer

      RIP X & Toyhauler - you served us well.

      Comment


      • #4
        not to hijack the thread....

        Are the prefilter screens supposed to be attached to the plug that unscrews from the manifold or does it come on or off from the plug?
        Colin

        2002 F350 4x4 Cab Chassis Flatbed

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by clindberg View Post
          not to hijack the thread....

          Are the prefilter screens supposed to be attached to the plug that unscrews from the manifold or does it come on or off from the plug?

          Lindberg, from my experience, the screen is permanently attached to the plug that you remove from the manifold. Did yours come loose?

          Also, everyone listed some good things to check. I'd probably verfiy the pump is running and maybe pull it for visual inspection and cleaning. Also, I'd double check all wiring for possible shorts or broken connections.

          Have you verified that the pressure switch and temp switch are working correctly?

          Good luck!
          Greasin & Grinin
          Vegi oil powered since Aug 08
          2006 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Vegistroke converted 1/27/13!!
          2008 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold
          2005 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks Guys,

            I'm going to be having a look at it in a few hours. My biggest question is why the pump blew a fuse in the first place, especially after it was running flawlessly for so long. Could it just be a result of the plugged prescreen putting too much stress on the pump?

            -andy

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Greenvans View Post
              Thanks Guys,

              I'm going to be having a look at it in a few hours. My biggest question is why the pump blew a fuse in the first place, especially after it was running flawlessly for so long. Could it just be a result of the plugged prescreen putting too much stress on the pump?

              -andy
              well, i didnt post this originally because I hate to just throw stuff out there.. But I have heard reports of these motors getting tightened down too much to the V3. This could cause some binding...

              JUST A SUGGESTION
              2005 6.0l X
              V3 running 8/6/08
              40gal frame mounted tank

              Live by the grease, die by the grease

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Greenvans View Post
                Thanks Guys,

                I'm going to be having a look at it in a few hours. My biggest question is why the pump blew a fuse in the first place, especially after it was running flawlessly for so long. Could it just be a result of the plugged prescreen putting too much stress on the pump?

                -andy
                would cause cavitation... no stress. I dont know how long these pumps can run dry? but it's either on(fuel pressure there) or off (no fuel pressure) So I doubt you can ruin it that way
                2005 6.0l X
                V3 running 8/6/08
                40gal frame mounted tank

                Live by the grease, die by the grease

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Greenvans View Post
                  Thanks Guys,

                  I'm going to be having a look at it in a few hours. My biggest question is why the pump blew a fuse in the first place, especially after it was running flawlessly for so long. Could it just be a result of the plugged prescreen putting too much stress on the pump?

                  -andy

                  Andy, as others have said, I'm real sure of the effects of running the pump dry, but I would assume it's not good for it over prolonged period of times. Heat would be my first concern.

                  Also, not sure if anyone mentioned it, but I would check to see if oil has gotten past the seals of the pump and contaminated the internals. While rare, I think a couple folks have experienced this problem.
                  Greasin & Grinin
                  Vegi oil powered since Aug 08
                  2006 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Vegistroke converted 1/27/13!!
                  2008 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold
                  2005 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    That someone is me

                    had that problem search my posts with Fordnut74 pertaining this perhaps clay remembers as well(on the old forum 5-08).Your systoms sound familar,but i don't point fingers at why, but rather help someone with my experiances if they are suffering through what seems uncureable gren light no light syndrome.Let me know what ya find and if I could help...........greasy
                    2000 7.3X V3 So much fun,so little time,Support small Oil,burn WVO,Free and greasy down the road I go!!!!!!!!!!completely self sufficient and proud of it. (Wood furnace.....X.......solar pontoon....solarsheat twins this summer.....I don't Know much.......I'm just a hillbilly with too many guns..............

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Andy,
                      Just some of my experiences re the pump:

                      After install, had a pump blowing fuses from the start. Took the pump off and checked gears for gunk. Nothing in there. Put pump back on and it still blew fuses. Loosened the hold down bolts a bit and pump started working OK (think it was Wilson above that also made a reference to pressure from hold down bolts). Ran it for a couple months and it began blowing fuses again. Sent it to Jason. He took it apart and cleaned and inspected it and it has been running Ok for several months.

                      Only other glitch I had was just after the temp got cold here. Pump blew a fuse again. Figured that it was due to not having all my insulation from the V3 rearward installed. I believe the veg got too thick and put a strain on the pump. Fixed it right away with additional insulation and haven't had the problem since.

                      Sounds like something could be bogging your pump down. A blockage in the tank or lines to the V3 or cold congealed veg. - Patrick

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Andy, I may have missed it, but what type of oil do you run in your truck?

                        Obvious I know, but more specifically, are you sure it's pure vegetable oil or is there a chance you're getting partially hydrogenated oil mixed in?

                        PH oils are known for their tendencey to set up when cool - that is cool room temperature. Factor in winter temps and you can see how PH oil could set up to a solid state.

                        Just another thought...perhaps you've got PH oil mixed in there that are clogging the pump up.
                        Greasin & Grinin
                        Vegi oil powered since Aug 08
                        2006 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Vegistroke converted 1/27/13!!
                        2008 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold
                        2005 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Hey Guys,

                          Thanks a ton for the info. It did ended up being a faulty pressure switch. There were a number of variables at work so I didn't think it was the pressure switch right away, but after taking the pump off, calibrating the pressure regulator, checking all the fuses and lines to my tank, once I replaced the pressure switch with the one on my other van the system kicked on just fine.

                          One thing I don't understand: I thought the pump shut off if it wasn't building pressure? Is it always running when the system gets up to temperature? What happens when you run your veggie tank dry or plug a filteR? Does the pump keep running dry? I can't imagine this is very good for the life of the pump. What do you think?

                          Thanks

                          Andy

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Greenvans View Post
                            Hey Guys,

                            Thanks a ton for the info. It did ended up being a faulty pressure switch. There were a number of variables at work so I didn't think it was the pressure switch right away, but after taking the pump off, calibrating the pressure regulator, checking all the fuses and lines to my tank, once I replaced the pressure switch with the one on my other van the system kicked on just fine.

                            One thing I don't understand: I thought the pump shut off if it wasn't building pressure? Is it always running when the system gets up to temperature? What happens when you run your veggie tank dry or plug a filteR? Does the pump keep running dry? I can't imagine this is very good for the life of the pump. What do you think?

                            Thanks

                            Andy
                            Andy, my understanding is that the pump continues to run in an effort to build pressure. If I recall correctly that is. Perhaps someone else can chime in to confirm.

                            I also agree that this can't be beneficial to the life span of the FASS pump.
                            Greasin & Grinin
                            Vegi oil powered since Aug 08
                            2006 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Vegistroke converted 1/27/13!!
                            2008 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold
                            2005 F-250 PSD - CC, Lariat, 4X4 - Sold

                            Comment

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