Oil leak at Lift pump?

[david85]

At first, I thought it might have been the oil pan gasket or main seal, but after checking and cleaning a few spots on the engine over the last few days, I think the lift pump is leaking engine oil. So before digging in, maybe someone can give me a sanity check:

1. Is this a common problem?

2. Are there any good brands of lift pumps left? This one was only a few years old.

3. Are the electric pumps any better for longevity?

 

[Jesus Freak]

#1, yes, they're made to start leaking engine oil when the seal gets compromised, so you know it's bad.

#2, there's a recent thread about this, though I can't remember the name right now, and we're currently waiting on a proven answer to this very question. So......maybe.

#3 opinions are like noses, we've all got one and they smell. Ive decided I like the regular mechanical pump.

Edit, the thread is called "new mechanical lift pump"

 

[Tizzy]

https://parts.lakelandford.com/testimonials.aspx

I put a Carter in my truck as a replacement recently...it is working fine. I also ordered a Ford pump from the provided site link...while I can't attest to where it was manufactured..it appears a true Ford replacement, though a little pricy. Just wanted to post for your awareness.

 

[Austin86250]

The lift pump itself will only leak diesel but if the gasket goes out or the bolts back out it will dump as it’s right next to the cam gear I had that happen and it was a doosey
+1 on the carter lift pump I had 3 parts store lift pumps that failed just after a couple thousand miles each but I finally caved for the carter and it’s going 8k miles strong

 

[david85]

I've been reading threads elsewhere that there should be two seals on these; one is the diaphragm and the other seals the arm from the crank case. Then there is a weep hole in the housing in between to prevent cross contamination of fluids if either seal fails. However, I can't confirm if this is the case on this particular lift pump since the other examples I read up on were gas engines.

My engine doesn't normally use oil and the level has been stable for the last week while I was trying to track down the source of the leak.

I kind of like the idea of staying mechanical, if a decent quality pump can still be found. Interestingly, Carter is the cheapest pump listed on Rockauto at the moment.

 

[Old Goat]

I found a NOS/OEM Ford Lift Pump at a dealer in Michigan. They had one on the shelf, and was delivered yesterday afternoon from the Brown truck.
Paid full retail, and looks like the box was on the shelf the past 15 years.

Took it out of the box, and no Ford part #`s or anything to ID it.

Found another last night, NOS Parts, we`ll see if I get an e-mail...NLA or on it`s way.

There are a few left out there, just gotta keep poking around, and calling.

I have the 85 and 86, so want parts on the shelf when I need them, especially OEM.



Goat

 

[david85]

I found a NOS/OEM Ford Lift Pump at a dealer in Michigan. They had one on the shelf, and was delivered yesterday afternoon from the Brown truck.
Paid full retail, and looks like the box was on the shelf the past 15 years.

Took it out of the box, and no Ford part #`s or anything to ID it.

Found another last night, NOS Parts, we`ll see if I get an e-mail...NLA or on it`s way.

There are a few left out there, just gotta keep poking around, and calling.

I have the 85 and 86, so want parts on the shelf when I need them, especially OEM.



Goat

Agree 100%. I'm starting to stock spares in my shop as well. Might just follow Tizzy's lead and get a Carter pump then try to source a ford OEM pump. I'm now regretting ever replacing my original lift pump. At the time I thought it was a good idea as a preventive measure. Since then, I've now gone through 2 new pumps in less than 5 years.

 

[Old Goat]

I bought the 86 back in July 2014 with 192K miles for $1800. Now up to 335K. What ever pump was on it lasted till last Jan 5/22 when I noticed the bottom wet but not dripping. Replaced it, might have got it at RA or O`Really`s. Probably a Chicom.

I dug back through the 3K Pic. on my phone and finally found it...
I take pictures of every project I do.
The Picture of it and the OEM one I just got. look the same. Both have a straight lever, instead of the bent one I see some post and wonder if it will work.

I don`t know which was the original OEM lever.

Goat

 

[Austin86250]

The armature changed though the years oem has sharp bends but now it’s straitened out

 

[david85]

Does this look like the OEM?

NOS 1983-1987 Ford F250 F350 420 V8 Diesel Fuel Pump E3TZ-9350-B | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NOS 1983-1987 Ford F250 F350 420 V8 Diesel Fuel Pump E3TZ-9350-B at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[gandalf]

Does this look like the OEM?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3538777452...BZNMmfuW4cXuyPMV8zw07zZg==|tkp:Bk9SR_jNypjjYQ

No, I do believe that is the newer design. The OEM has a much more distinct bend in the lever arm. I'll post a picture if I can find one from the time I replaced my lift pump.

 

[hacked89]

carter is no better these days, a positive thing I can say is that they are atleast interested in feedback.

This isn’t in the IDI but same concept, their pivot arm tolerance is poor so it let the plunger drop out on a brand new. Replacement number 2, the arm snapped off into the oil pan and I had to drop the oil pan. I didn’t even bother with lift pump #3.

I found a fuel shop in Arizona that rebuilt the factory

 

[david85]

Looks like its confirmed that the pump was bad. I bought a "Spectra Premium" pump, simply because that's what was one the shelf but will keep an eye out for something better as a spare.

See attached for what the old one looked like. The weep hole had some oil around it but because of how hidden the pump is in the engine, its impossible to get eyes on that spot. When I backfed some compressed air into the fuel fitting, oil oozed out from around the crimp. The engine oil doesn't feel or look diluted, but I'm going to change it anyway.

 

[Old Goat]

Does this look like the OEM?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3538777452...BZNMmfuW4cXuyPMV8zw07zZg==|tkp:Bk9SR_jNypjjYQ

That looks exactly like the one I got From the Ford dealer. Has the straight lever.

If that E-Bay guy is truthful, buy it, it1s 20 something $ more that MSRP. But if OEM, it`s worth it.


Goat