Where in the world is BrianR?

[tw]

Originally Posted by BrianR

Fuel pumps in the tank are a bad idea because the fuel can turn into Jell-O in very cold weather, damaging the pump. Also, it's hard to access since the entry is on top of the tank, requiring the tank to be removed and the fuel drained into two 55 gallon drums.

You don't remove fuel to access or replace a pump. Replaced is standard and easy. Pump is mounted in a hole at the top of the tank. It hangs down inside the tank with a large filter on its inlet.

If diesel is jello (so that a pump at 60 PSI cannot push it), then an engine mounted pump with no more than 14 PSI sucking power could not work. If a 14 PSI pump can work, then a tank mounted pump at 60 PSI would have no problems.

I understand why a truck may not want pressurized fuel pipes since a 60 PSI leak would spray fuel. Pumps using suction would only suck in air. But pumps inside fuel tanks with more flammable materials (ie gasoline) have been standard for generations without leaks. Done to eliminate air bubbles and other problems. I still don't grasp why a pump is still mounted on the engine. That pump was moved into the tank long ago for other vehicles, airplanes, etc.

Far more confusing - why would air in diesel lines confuse any trained junior mechanic?

If that is what today’s genetically engineered labrats look like, I’m getting a truck - that does not require a junior mechanic.

[monster]

you two need to get a room ....in one of those drive up motels in BFE with the illuminated arrow signs outside.

just sayin'

[BrianR]

In other news, Labrat and I met briefly in a park near her job. No, nothing hinky happened but I can tell you her ass is every bit as fantastic as it looks in pictures.

Here is a photo of us (SFW) as proof:

[BrianR]

What? You aren't interested in technical discussions on the various merits of submerged fuel pumps versus exposed fuel pumps?

I admit, trucks give me hard-ons, but somehow I don't think TW and I will be going into THAT much detail. The discussion has been civil thus far and it should remain so, as I suspect neither of us is THAT militant on the subject.

[BrianR]

Anyway, back to the subject of my whereabouts.

This weekend, I am to be found in Monee, IL. Just south of Chicago.

Anyone in the area? Let me know!

[Trilby]

THAT is one great pic!

(and a great hat and a great truck!)

[BrianR]

[BrianR]

The answer is obvious to anyone who has seen a truck up close.

There are only a few inches of clearance between the top of the tank and the bottom of the cab. There is simply no room to access the top of the tank...even the fuel fill caps have to be offset a bit to allow the nozzles to get into the tank and still clear the cab.

Thus, any maintenance to the tank requires the removal of up to 120 gallons of diesel before removing the straps and dismounting the tank.

[tw]

Originally Posted by BrianR

There is simply no room to access the top of the tank...even the fuel fill caps have to be offset a bit to allow the nozzles to get into the tank and still clear the cab.
Thus, any maintenance to the tank requires the removal of up to 120 gallons of diesel before removing the straps and dismounting the tank.

How do cars with gas tanks beneath and in front of the rear axle easily replace a fuel pump without removing the tank? They solve the same problem. Cars have fuel pumps and gas gauge inside the gas tank. Pump and gauge (at least on better cars) must be replaceable without removing the gas tank. Same solution can be installed on a truck.

But again, the confusing question is why they still want a pump on the engine - dependent on vacuum to provide fuel?

From your picture, I saw nice headlights.

[jinx]

[xoxoxoBruce]

I have yet to see a car that you can pull the pump without dropping the tank. If they put the tank under the trunk they could have an access plate but it's such a rare occurrence why bother?

[tw]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

If they put the tank under the trunk they could have an access plate but it's such a rare occurrence why bother?

How to find the fuel pump on a 1998 honda accord?

It is located inside the fuel tank on top. ... There is an access panel in the trunk or under the back seat.

Many vehicles put the gas tank below the trunk which makes fuel pump access easier. That mislocated fuel tank created the famous Pinto fires and fires in GM products (see the cost analysis at Long-Hidden Documents Reveal GM Cost-Benefit Analyses Led to Severe Burn Injuries).

Meanwhile Honda has always put every fuel tank in every car safely ahead of its rear axle. Even Honda has an access plate for the fuel pump.

Some cars may be defectively designed so that a fuel pump access plate is not provided. (I still remember the Chevy's. Remove one motor mount and jack the engine up a few inches to replace two spark plugs.) However, simple design means a same solution is easily implemented in trucks.

Locating a fuel pump inside the gas tank has long been routine. A diesel truck manufacturer must have good reason for still using the long obsoleted suction method. Pumps are routinely mounted in all vehicles (including airplanes) with that pump easily serviced. A curious question is why trucks still use that long since obsoleted suction pumping.

Or maybe this truck is unique? Maybe other trucks do use fuel tank pumps? That would also explain why junior mechanics were easily confused by a simple air bubble in a fuel line.

[BrianR]

And if you want a truck like mine, it'll set you back about $160,000. And my truck is not top-of-the-line either. There are options that can push the price tag close to $200,000. Better start saving those nickles and dimes!

A common truck payment (on a new truck) runs around $4-5,000 per month on a six-year note.

[Undertoad]

What is your 0-60 time?

What's the captain's chair like? Is it comfy enough, the place you have to park your ass all that time?

[monster]

we want pictures! cab and outside!