Yesterday, 02:17 PM
When a Fuel Pump Breaks in Three Pieces
A Mack dump truck equipped with the AI-475 engine presented a rare and troubling issue: the electronic unit pump (EUP) on cylinder one had shattered into three distinct pieces. After replacement, the engine continued to misfire on that cylinder, prompting a deeper investigation into root causes. The AI-475, part of Mack’s ASET series, uses individual EUPs for each cylinder, driven by camshaft lobes and controlled electronically. These pumps are known for precision but are vulnerable to heat, wear, and mechanical stress.
Common Causes of EUP Destruction
Several factors can lead to catastrophic EUP failure:
Rocker Shaft Failure and Misfire Link
While diagnosing the misfire, the technician discovered that the exhaust rocker on cylinder five moved excessively—about half an inch along the shaft. Upon removing the rocker assembly, a broken shaft was found between the engine brake solenoid and the fifth cylinder. A clip and washer had fallen into the head, and one bolt showed signs of red Loctite, suggesting a prior attempt to re-secure a loose component.
This broken shaft likely disrupted valve timing and rocker geometry, contributing to misfire symptoms and possibly damaging the EUP through abnormal cam lobe contact. The technician theorized that the shaft had cracked earlier due to a loose hold-down bolt, which was later tightened without addressing the underlying damage.
Testing and Electrical Verification
To confirm EUP function:
PowerLeash Brake Complications
If the engine is equipped with Mack’s PowerLeash engine brake system, the rocker shaft also houses the jake solenoids. This adds complexity to overhead adjustments and increases the risk of mechanical interference. Running overhead on these engines requires careful alignment and multi-step procedures, often spanning several pages in the service manual.
Recommendations for Repair and Prevention
The Mack AI-475’s EUP system is precise but unforgiving. A broken pump may signal deeper mechanical issues, such as cam wear or rocker shaft failure. By combining electrical diagnostics with thorough mechanical inspection, technicians can restore performance and prevent future damage. In this case, the misfire was not just a fuel issue—it was a symptom of a fractured valve train and a lesson in the importance of complete teardown when symptoms persist.
A Mack dump truck equipped with the AI-475 engine presented a rare and troubling issue: the electronic unit pump (EUP) on cylinder one had shattered into three distinct pieces. After replacement, the engine continued to misfire on that cylinder, prompting a deeper investigation into root causes. The AI-475, part of Mack’s ASET series, uses individual EUPs for each cylinder, driven by camshaft lobes and controlled electronically. These pumps are known for precision but are vulnerable to heat, wear, and mechanical stress.
Common Causes of EUP Destruction
Several factors can lead to catastrophic EUP failure:
- Excessive heat exposure: Cylinders near exhaust manifolds (typically 5 and 6) are most vulnerable, but poor shielding or missing heat deflectors can shift the risk to other cylinders.
- Camshaft wear or soft lobes: Early versions of the AI-475 suffered from soft camshaft ramps, leading to uneven wear and excessive stress on the pump tappets.
- Improper installation torque: If the EUP is over-tightened or misaligned, internal stress can fracture the housing or drive components.
- Foreign debris or spring failure: Broken internal springs or metal fragments can jam the pump mechanism, causing sudden breakage.
Rocker Shaft Failure and Misfire Link
While diagnosing the misfire, the technician discovered that the exhaust rocker on cylinder five moved excessively—about half an inch along the shaft. Upon removing the rocker assembly, a broken shaft was found between the engine brake solenoid and the fifth cylinder. A clip and washer had fallen into the head, and one bolt showed signs of red Loctite, suggesting a prior attempt to re-secure a loose component.
This broken shaft likely disrupted valve timing and rocker geometry, contributing to misfire symptoms and possibly damaging the EUP through abnormal cam lobe contact. The technician theorized that the shaft had cracked earlier due to a loose hold-down bolt, which was later tightened without addressing the underlying damage.
Testing and Electrical Verification
To confirm EUP function:
- Use a noid light to check pulse current at the EUP connector. This verifies that the ECM is sending signals.
- Bleed fuel lines thoroughly: Air in the system can mimic misfire symptoms and delay injector response.
- Clear fault codes and retest under load. Even if no codes are present, ECM logic may limit fuel delivery based on prior faults.
PowerLeash Brake Complications
If the engine is equipped with Mack’s PowerLeash engine brake system, the rocker shaft also houses the jake solenoids. This adds complexity to overhead adjustments and increases the risk of mechanical interference. Running overhead on these engines requires careful alignment and multi-step procedures, often spanning several pages in the service manual.
Recommendations for Repair and Prevention
- Replace the entire rocker shaft assembly if any section is cracked
- Inspect cam lobes for scoring or ramp deterioration
- Verify heat shield placement and condition
- Use OEM torque specs and Loctite only where specified
- Replace EUPs in matched sets if multiple cylinders show wear
The Mack AI-475’s EUP system is precise but unforgiving. A broken pump may signal deeper mechanical issues, such as cam wear or rocker shaft failure. By combining electrical diagnostics with thorough mechanical inspection, technicians can restore performance and prevent future damage. In this case, the misfire was not just a fuel issue—it was a symptom of a fractured valve train and a lesson in the importance of complete teardown when symptoms persist.
