2014 Ram 3500 DRW - Fuel Starvation Issue when pulling heavy loads...

[truckmen]

Hello all,

2014 Ram 3500 6.7, G56-transmission, DRW- Fuel Starvation Issue when pulling heavy loads...

Years ago when I was putting several tens of thousand miles on this truck annually, I constantly ran into what I am sure was a fuel starvation issue. I changed fuel filters and fuel/water separators till I was blue in the face (especially during winter months in many-a-rest area).

This would happen whether I was pulling my 18,000lb 5th wheel camper or a fully-loaded 4-car Wally-Mo trailer and normaiily not when I wasn/t towing anything. Luckily, I believe no damage happened to the engine or high-pressure fuel pump. So, I am thinking, because I was creating such a demand on the engine, the lift pump just could not handle that demand. The truck has been parked with very little use during recent years as I was away working at sea. Now, that I am beginning to use the truck again, I fear I will have this problem. I am preparing to go with the FASS fuel system, particulary the following:

FASS Titanium Signature Series PLUS 250GPH Fuel System for 2005-2018 & 2021-2024 Dodge RAM Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L (1000-1200hp)

FASS No-Drop Series PLUS 100GPH Fuel System for Dodge/RAM 2005-18 & 2021-24 Cummins 5.9L & 6.7L

By the way, ChatGPT says the following about the stock lift pump capabilities:

• Roughly 25–35 gallons per hour (GPH) at ~10 psi.
• This is enough to feed the CP3 high-pressure pump at stock horsepower (350–385 hp at the crank in that era).

Any thoughts?

 

[Burla]

No codes? Did you replace fuel pressure regulator? Did you do all the fuel PSI gauge readings? I'd run a FASS system if I still had my cummins.

 

[tjfdesmo]

A properly operating factory lift pump is plenty sufficient for a stock truck, or even mild to moderate tuning, and that includes towing heavy.

 

[nlambert182]

The stock fuel system is more than capable of handling anything you could throw at it. There should be no need to upgrade it simply to make it run right. You likely have another problem.

Assuming the truck is deleted? If so, and if you're running a hotter tune and/or a cheap tune maybe the fuel maps are off and causing it to defuel. I've had 3 Rams with the 6.7 and have towed empty all the way up to 15k lbs up a 7% grade and the only time it ever de-fueled was on that grade because I was pushing it hard and let things get hotter than the truck liked. Aside from that, there shouldn't be an issue where the truck isn't getting enough fuel.

 

[62Blazer]

Is the truck stock or modified (tuned, deleted, etc...)? As mentioned the factory system should be plenty for a stock to mild/moderate tune and build. Make sure you are actually fixing the problem versus putting a band aid on it.

 

[truckmen]

No codes? Did you replace fuel pressure regulator? Did you do all the fuel PSI gauge readings? I'd run a FASS system if I still had my cummins.

Hello @Burla,

Nope, never threw any codes the many times it happened.
I also did not look into the fuel regulator. Plese excuse the dumb question but i'll only ask it once: Where is the fuel pressure regulator? Wait, I'll find out.

 

[truckmen]

Is the truck stock or modified (tuned, deleted, etc...)? As mentioned the factory system should be plenty for a stock to mild/moderate tune and build. Make sure you are actually fixing the problem versus putting a band aid on it.

Hello @62Blazer, @tjfdesmo and @nlambert182

Looking up my records...I had replaced the fuel pump when the odometer was between 73,200 and 89,000 miles (I failed to record the actual mileage that day).
Genuine Factory Ram OEM Part - 2011 Ram 3500 - ST L6 6.7 Liter DIESEL
FUEL PUMP- Diesel Fuel Supply - MODULE FUEL PUMP/LEV
Part Number: 5145571AA

Also, in those records it shows that part is for a 2011 unkown if that might be wrong but the problem persisted before and after this replacement. Moper Parts says it is the correct one:
Mopar 5145571AA Fuel Pump Module/Level Unit 2011-2023 Mopar 5145571AA

During that time period (2017), I had not done any modofocations to the truck. In fact, the entire emissions system was replaced under warranty. no difference before or after that event either.

Your replies are heart-warming for sure as a FASS System is EXPENSIVE, and hope I don't have to go that route. I will "learn up" on the fuel pressure regulator and get back to all.

 

[nlambert182]

I'd definitely get it checked out before firing the parts cannon at it. You've got something else going on.

 

[tjfdesmo]

Assuming adequate supply pressure, the FCA(Fuel Control Actuator) is mounted to the CP3 HPCR pump and controls rail pressure, as commanded by the ECM. There is also a rail relief valve, but they generally only failed when people used "pressure boxes" to gain power.

Also, what kind of boost pressure are you seeing when pulling? Have you checked for boost leaks?

'07.5-'24 Dodge Cummins Diesel Fuel Control Actuator

Located on the side of the high pressure fuel injection pump, the electronic fuel control actuator for the Cummins 6.7L engine is the metering valve of the fuel system.

www.genosgarage.com

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

As mentioned before, stock fuel filtration system is more than adequate for your truck. You likely would end up with more problems if you “upgrade” the fuel system.