fuel pressures?

[Swaggs]

So, what is the recommended fuel pressure going to a VE pump, everyone says that 30 is the max, but what is a good pressure? I am really wanting to get a air dog, or just an electric pump with some kind of filter. I also have seen that fitch catalyst tested in magazines or whatever and they say it is pretty good.. what do you guys think? It seems alot of people run the piston lp, but is that just because it is cheaper then an electric pump? Thanks..

[peobryant]

30psi on a VE will push the front seal out. Whoever told you that, must not have a VE truck. The highest I would ever want to see is 20psi, and thats pusching it.

More people go with an electric pump, because they are advertised. A piston lp will be plenty for a daily driver. If you are trying to make crazy rwhp numbers then you may want to look into an electric pump.

[A_port93]

it all depends on what your goals are and how much fuel you can flow. my truck with PODs and a semi mild pump can drop the fuel pressure down to 3 or so psi of fuel with the piston lift pump. i am planning on upgrading to an electric lift pump and would even if i didnt have plans for bigger injectors and more pump tuning...but like i said it depends on what your in to.

[Ace]

...PODs and a semi mild pump can drop the fuel pressure down to 3 or so psi...

I don't think the fuel pump has much to do with why your pressure drops.

[A_port93]

i don't get what your saying... but the piston pump is good and an alright upgrade over the stock lift pump and all that i am trying to say is why not consider your options/goals now so you can get it right the first time? because my injectors and pump are not moving all that much fuel and i feel that i have already outgrown it

[SChandler]

I think Ace is trying to say that the factory fuel lines are too small to keep up with the mods that you have made.

Swagg's goals for his truck: http://1stgen.org/viewtopic.php?p=30672&highlight=#30672.

[Swaggs]

yea, well what i am thinking is that I dont know what will happen with the truck in the future, and I would like to cover all the bases, put something in there that grow with the truck, i guess.. i dont know.. plus with the added filter and that i saw it as being a good deal. no?

[Ace]

One man's trash is another man's treasure. My view on the Air Dog-type setups is not all that complimentary for several reasons: These trucks are not making that much hp in most cases to take advantage of the flow rate they can supply. Unless you are talking really high end 500+ hp range, they are just plain overkill. They add an unnecessary level of complexity to the fuel system: Electrics, regulator, return line, draw straw or whatever. For what? So they can pump most of the fuel back into the tank, making more entrained air for them to remove on the next cycle.

Keep it simple. But hey, no doubt they are great pump/filters. Pretty expensive - worth it? It's your money. Whatever floats your boat.

[Swaggs]

thanks ace, i think that answered my question.. i know my way around a gas engine, and am learning diesels, but you guys definetly have more expertise there.. so, yea, i just know what i read, and want to do everything right the first time, you know.. and i read alot about having a good lift pump, and how it can affect mileage and power more then some think.. so, anyways, thanks.. what about filtration? do you guys just run stock fuel filter, or upgrade with something else? i feel like i had more questions.. but i dont know.. well gotta email the woman.. thanks guys.. later

[GO OVRIT]

As far as filtration goes; the stock setup is fine. If you're trying to get more flow from bigger pickups, lines and pumps, then its one of your restrictions.

[Ramrod90]

If you are going to keep your stock filter location you could upgrade to the Fleet Guard FS 1221 filter. It will screw right on to the housing but it is 7" long instead of the stock 4 3/4" and has it's own f/w separator so you will loose the functionality of your water in fuel light. I believe some people have reported less of a psi drop throughout the filter housing with it.

[Richie O]

If I ever upgrade mine I am going to regulate the pressure after the filter.

[Greenleaf]

I have had less pressure drop with the Baldwin BF1221. (same thing just not as much $$$) Also, with this longer filter, the pressure remains constant, for a longer period of time i.e. miles. The short filter would show restriction after a few thousand miles. I have never seen the longer filter drop the pressure off in one years time. I change it once per year, needed or not.

[seeker1056]

here is an intersting info short from a cummins website giving minimum maximum engine specs

note the fuel pressure requirements.


"1993 12 Valve General Engine Specifications

Engine: 5.9-Liter, OHV, Diesel Six-Cylinder
Type & Description: Six cylinder, in line, liquid cooled, turbocharged, intercooled
Displacement: 359 cu. in. (5.9 L)
Bore x Stroke: 4.02 x 4.72 (102.1 x 119.9)
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Engine Rotation as viewed from engine front: Clockwise
Valve System: OHV, 12 valves, solid sliding tappet lifter/followers
Valve Adjustment (engine cold)
Intake = 0.010" Exhaust = 0.020"
Adjustment interval - 24,000 miles
Fuel Injection: Bosch VE High-pressure direct injection, mechanical
Compression Ratio:
Fuel Pressure: 18-24psi at idle, 28-36 at 2000 rpm with no load.
Construction: Cast iron block & head
Oil Capacity: 11 qt. (9.5 L) with filter
Oil Flow Rate
Coolant Capacity: 24 qt. (22.7 L)
Alternator:
Battery: Maintenance-free, 1100 CCA

[soggy]

So is that the pressure feeding the pump? If so, then where does the thing everyone says about 20 psi blowing the seal come from? what are you running seeker?