Changing fuel sending unit after I run out of fuel

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wrenchinup

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2019
Posts
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Location
Bozeman MT
Ram Year
1997
Engine
Cummins 5.9
Have a 97 Cummins, runs good, new fuel pump, dead fuel sender unit, and I want to empty the fuel tank the easy way, run out of fuel, so I can r and r the sending unit. but just wonder if it might cause problems. Been driving with a couple gallons of diesel in the box planning on cracking the banjo fitting on the pump to bleed the line, when I run out going down the road, but don’t want to get stranded. If there’s a reason that’s a bad idea I’d appreciate the heads up. Thanks
 

crazykid1994

Senior Member
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Sep 21, 2013
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Location
Florida
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
You can bypass the fuel pump relay and just take the fuel line off and down into a gas can. It’ll pump from your lift pump in the tank instead of just running the truck out of gas. I’ve done it on other vehicles before
 
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wrenchinup

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2019
Posts
25
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Location
Bozeman MT
Ram Year
1997
Engine
Cummins 5.9
Thanks, great idea, I’ve done that with electric pumps but this is a mechanical lift pump and I don’t think that would work. Since you mentioned bypassing the relay I’m assuming you’re thinking electric? I do have an old subaru gas electric pump that might suck it out. Thanks
 
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