There are ways to extend the life of your CP4 Pump
Your CP4 pump is a high-pressure fuel pump. It is used in several common-rail diesel engines. Its job is to create the extremely high fuel pressure needed by the injectors. Unfortunately, when a CP4 pump has been found to be not as reliable as its predecessor the CP3 pump. When the CP4 pump fails, the damage does not typically stop with the pump.
A failing pump can release metal debris into the fuel system. That contamination may reach the fuel rails, injectors, lines, and tank, turning one failed component into a much larger and more expensive repair. While there is no way to guarantee that a CP4 pump will never fail, good fuel-system habits can help reduce the risk.
Fuel quality matters in any diesel, but it is especially important in a high-pressure common-rail system. Purchase diesel from reputable, busy stations that regularly sell a high volume of diesel fuel. If your truck suddenly runs differently immediately after filling up, do not ignore it. Hard starting, rough running, unusual noise, reduced power, or a fuel-pressure warning could indicate contaminated fuel.
Water is one of the biggest threats to diesel fuel-system components. It can reduce lubrication, cause corrosion, and damage the high-pressure pump and injectors. Your truck’s fuel filter and water separator are designed to protect the system, but they must be maintained properly. If the water-in-fuel warning appears:
- Safely stop the vehicle.
- Shut the engine off.
- Have the fuel and water separator drained and the fuel inspected.
What not to do: continue driving and hope the warning goes away. It's not going to go away.
Ford warns that allowing water to remain in the system after the warning appears can cause extensive fuel-injection system damage.
Never put Diesel Exhaust Fluid, gasoline, water, or any other incorrect fluid into the diesel tank. If this happens, do not start the engine. Starting it can circulate the contamination throughout the fuel system.
Now let's chat about how we can prevent this. Your fuel filter is a huge component of preventing a failure. Your fuel filters remove dirt, rust, water, and other contaminants before they reach the high-pressure pump and injectors. A restricted or poor-quality filter can also reduce the fuel supply reaching the pump. Recommendations is to change your fuel filters every 15,000 miles or sooner if you think your fuel in not good quality. While replacing your fuel filters is expensive it is much less than the cost of replacing your fuel system.
Try not to make a habit of driving with the fuel gauge close to empty. A low fuel level increases the chance of fuel starvation, especially during hard acceleration, towing, steep climbs, or cold weather. Keeping fuel in the tank also helps ensure the low-pressure fuel system can provide a steady supply to the high-pressure pump.
Some CP4 pumps have failed even in properly maintained vehicles. The goal of good maintenance is to reduce avoidable risks such as contaminated fuel, water intrusion, restricted filters, and fuel starvation. If you notice a water-in-fuel warning, low fuel pressure, hard starting, or a sudden loss of power, give us a call before the problem becomes a much bigger repair.
Give us a call and let us take care of you.
Happy Adventures,
Heather
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