LX865 lift pump sucks air - not running

[chuck21387]

My 1998 LX865 stopped running today, new motor, runs great, lots of power. BUT today the lift pump revs way up and you open the bleeder and it's just air. I've checked the pickup tube (clear), the return tube (clear), the gaskets inside and on top of the pump/filter housing (good), but i haven't torn the pump open to see if there are O-rings in there. Can i install an inline fuel pump before this lift pump? will it push fuel through the current lift pump? I don't really want to drop $300 on a lift pump, i just bought a new starter....$404..... I have another filter housing that does not have the lift pump stuff, i'm thinking about removing the NH lift pump/filter housing and installing a generic (diesel) lift pump from Napa Auto Parts and then running this other standard filter housing (which takes the standard NH filter and fits in the same location etc). I'm tired of this beast. Anyone wanna buy it? $14,000 brand new engine, $3400 in new hydraulics with only 144 hours on them. Could use rubber. NEW bucket (smooth edge, no teeth)

 

[Mike10]

If your fuel filter assy still has the glass water separator bowl on the bottom, which it should, then check the gaskets and seals around this bowl.

 

[chuck21387]

If your fuel filter assy still has the glass water separator bowl on the bottom, which it should, then check the gaskets and seals around this bowl.

Will do. We threw a cheap inline pump on and it's running. I'd like it to be "right" so i'll do the test you recommended and we'll see what we come up with. Thanks again! Chuck