Understanding Lift Pumps: A Comprehensive Guide
Ever wondered why lift pumps are crucial for trucks? Whether you own a stock, street-level, or heavily modified truck, lift pumps play a pivotal role in ensuring optimal performance. Let's dive deep into the world of lift pumps and understand their significance.
Why Do Trucks Need Lift Pumps?
Lift pumps, at their core, are responsible for providing clean and consistent low-pressure fuel to the truck's high-pressure injection system. While the factory-installed systems get the job done, they often fall short in two critical areas: fuel cleanliness and water separation.
Importance of Consistent Fuel and Pressure
You might wonder, "Why does the engine's high-pressure system require a constant flow of fuel and pressure?" Here's the answer:
Common rail engines, which are prevalent in Duramax models, Cummins models from '03 onwards, and Powerstrokes from '08 and beyond, employ high-pressure injection systems. These systems, whether they are CP3s or the newer CP4s, rely on low-pressure fuel for cooling. Furthermore, they transform this low-pressure fuel into tens of thousands of PSI in the rail, generating the necessary injection pressure to activate the injector as per the demand.
Boosting Power and Efficiency
When you enhance your truck's power, it demands more fuel to complement the increased airflow. For instance, when adding parts that augment airflow or using tunes that optimize factory components, the fuel requirement surges. The alterations in the ECU further increase the fuel demand, underscoring the importance of a reliable lift pump.
For both modified and stock trucks, lift pumps offer superior filtration capabilities. Their filters not only outperform but are also more economical. Additionally, these pumps come equipped with an Air/Water separator featuring a petcock for draining accumulated water. The result? Cleaner fuel, consistent pressures, and cost-effective maintenance.
Choosing the Right Lift Pump Size
With brands like Airdog and Fass offering multiple lift pump sizes, selecting the right one can be daunting. However, for the vast majority (over 90% of users), the Airdog 5G 165GPH or Fass Titanium 165GPH is the ideal choice. These pumps can efficiently cater to trucks in the 800 horsepower range and are equally effective for stock trucks aiming to maximize factory components.
Is Bigger Always Better?
A common misconception is that a larger lift pump translates to better performance. However, it's essential to match the pump's size with the truck's demands and other components. An excessively large pump might work, but it will return an overwhelming surplus of fuel. This not only shortens the pump's lifespan but can also negatively impact the truck's performance.
In conclusion, understanding and choosing the right lift pump is pivotal for truck enthusiasts and professionals alike. By ensuring a balance between performance and maintenance, lift pumps play an indispensable role in the world of trucks.
