The 6.7L Power Stroke was launched in 2011. While it had been in development for years prior, the 2011 model year marked its debut. It’s a fantastic engine– reliable, powerful, and a great fit for an all-around refined truck. These trucks dominate the road in terms of numbers, showing up everywhere from daily drivers to fleet trucks, ambulances, etc. They are incredibly versatile. That said, one common concern with these trucks is the CP4 fuel pump.
People often worry about potential failures and the damage that can follow. So much so that the CP4 has a known reputation for being the weakest link on 2011 and newer 6.7L Power Stroke engines, a single failure can cause catastrophic damage with repair costs often exceeding $10,000. The stakes are high, but S&S Diesel Motorsport offers two robust solutions.
The 6.7L engine was essentially developed around the CP4 high-pressure pump, leaving minimal room for aftermarket aids or replacement solutions. Because of this, the earliest solution offered was by S&S with its Disaster Prevention Kit. The Disaster Prevention Kit, while it doesn’t stop the CP4 from failing, does prevent catastrophic damage to other expensive components like injectors, rails, and more. Essentially, this kit minimizes the collateral damage and reduces downtime.
Later down the road, S&S co-developed the DCR Pump Conversion Kit with Stanadyne and PurePower Technologies which completely removed the problematic CP4 pump and replaced it with a design that is being used all over the world in heavy-duty Cummins applications. While it is a higher investment, this kit allows truck owners to eliminate the problem.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is best for your truck.
S&S Disaster Prevention Kit vs CP4 to DCR Pump Conversion: The Great Debate
When addressing the infamous CP4 failure, S&S Diesel Motorsport provides two options: the Disaster Prevention Kit and the DCR Pump Conversion Kit. While both aim to protect your engine, they differ in approach.
The Disaster Prevention Kit is a proactive safeguard, containing potential damage in the event of a pump failure. This is a quicker more DIY friendly installation and easier on tight budgets. It mitigates downtime but still offers the insurance truck owners want.
The DCR Pump Conversion Kit goes further, replacing the CP4 pump entirely with a reliable DCR design, eliminating the risk of failure at its source. This is a more advanced installation and costs more to do but it does eliminate the issue with a better, more reliable design. Each option offers unique benefits, making the choice dependent on your truck’s demands and your budget.
Why Choose S&S Diesel CP4 Kits
S&S Diesel Motorsport has built a reputation for innovative and reliable solutions for diesel engines. Their products, including the CP4 Disaster Prevention Kit and DCR Pump Conversion Kit, have gained recognition for their effectiveness and practicality. Whether you need a cost-effective safeguard or a permanent fix, S&S Diesel’s options deliver to hardworking truck owners and their trucks.
Why the CP4 Pump is a Problem for 6.7L Powerstroke Owners
Introduced to meet stricter emissions standards, the CP4 pump quickly revealed vulnerabilities in the U.S. diesel market due to fuel quality differences. This mismatch often leads to internal wear, causing metal shavings to contaminate the fuel system.
A single failure can destroy fuel injectors, lines, and other components, leading to expensive repairs and extended downtime. For 6.7L Powerstroke owners, addressing this issue is crucial to avoiding costly damage.
What is the S&S DCR Pump Conversion Kit?
The DCR Pump Conversion Kit replaces the problematic CP4 pump with the proven DCR pump, renowned for its durability and reliability. This comprehensive solution eliminates the risk of CP4 failure, ensuring consistent performance even under demanding conditions. While its installation requires more time and expertise, the DCR Pump Conversion is ideal for truck owners who rely on their vehicles every day for heavy towing or long-haul driving.
This comprehensive kit includes all the necessary components for a seamless installation, including a high-performance DCR pump, wiring harness, injector connectors, fuel lines, mounting hardware, and detailed installation instructions. This features an OE fit and function and features a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
“The CP4 fuel pump on the 6.7L Power Stroke has always been a challenge because of space claim limitations. The engine block was essentially designed around the CP4, leaving little room for a larger pump,” said Luke Langellier, Co-Owner of S&S Diesel Motorsport. “However, we’ve collaborated with experts at Standard and PurePower Technologies to develop a solution. We’ve adapted a compact, robust, two-cylinder opposed high-pressure pump, a design proven on heavy-duty Cummins engines worldwide. It’s a reliable pump with hundreds of thousands in use globally.”
“Applying it to the Ford application required extensive development—special cams, a new IMV, a different metering unit, and various unique components. Despite those modifications, the pump’s core remains the same reliable design. This breakthrough brings a long-awaited solution for Ford owners.”
What is the S&S CP4 Disaster Prevention Kit?
The CP4 Disaster Prevention Kit provides insurance against catastrophic damage without replacing the pump. Trapping metal shavings during a pump failure, it prevents contaminants from spreading through the fuel system, significantly reducing repair costs. Easy to install and budget-friendly, the Disaster Prevention Kit is an excellent option for light-duty users or those looking for an immediate solution.
This kit comes packed with OE-style quick-connect fittings ensuring easy installation and a billet filter head that a supplied Donaldson filter attaches to. Among those standout features, this kit comes with all the necessary components for easy installation and is backed by the same two-year, unlimited-mile warranty, too.
CP4 to DCR Pump Conversion vs Disaster Prevention Kit: Key Comparisons
Cost
The DCR Pump Conversion Kit is a higher upfront investment, offering long-term reliability by eliminating CP4 pump risks altogether. The Disaster Prevention Kit, while more affordable, focuses on damage mitigation rather than prevention, providing valuable protection at a lower price point.
Installation
The DCR Pump Conversion requires more expertise and tools, making it better suited for professional installation or experienced DIYers. In contrast, the Disaster Prevention Kit is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing most truck owners to install it themselves.
Effectiveness
The DCR Pump Conversion addresses the root cause of CP4 failures, ensuring no risk of future pump-related damage. While the Disaster Prevention Kit doesn’t prevent failures, it effectively contains the damage, sparing truck owners from costly repairs.
The Final Verdict: Which Solution is Best for You?
Choosing between the S&S Disaster Prevention Kit and the DCR Pump Conversion Kit depends on how you use your truck and what you’re willing to invest. If your truck handles heavy-duty tasks like frequent towing, hauling, or other demanding applications, the DCR Pump Conversion Kit stands out as the long-term option.
By replacing the CP4 pump with a more reliable direct-replacement design, it eliminates the risks associated with the factory pump, providing durability and peace of mind. While it requires a higher initial investment, this kit is ideal for those who rely on their truck under extreme conditions and want to avoid costly downtime or repairs.
On the other hand, the S&S Disaster Prevention Kit offers an excellent alternative for light-duty users or those working within a tighter budget. Instead of replacing the pump, this kit focuses on intercepting debris caused by a failing CP4 pump, protecting the fuel system from widespread damage. It’s a cost-effective solution that delivers critical protection without the need for a complete overhaul, making it well-suited for daily drivers or trucks with lighter workloads.
Both options are designed to prevent the costly consequences of CP4 pump failure, so the best choice comes down to your truck’s workload and your priorities. Either way, you’ll be protecting your 6.7L Powerstroke and ensuring greater reliability on the road.
Ready to Invest in a S&S Disaster Prevention Kit or DCR Pump Conversion Kit?
Protecting your 6.7L Powerstroke from the CP4 pump’s notorious failures is a smart investment. Both solutions from S&S Diesel Motorsport address the issue head-on, providing tailored protection for different needs. Explore these kits at Diesel Power Products, or contact our team of experts to determine the best option for your truck. Protect your engine and drive with confidence.
Say goodbye to CP4 high-pressure fuel pump issues with this revolutionary, durable plug-and-play replacement. No ECU calibration needed—just seamless integration. Engineered for biofuel and low-lubricity fuel, this pump ensures reliable performance with patented Eccentric Drive Pump Technology, pressure-lubricated cam, and corrosion-resistant FCA.
I recommend getting it. We bought a new F550 flatbed diesel at work and the pump failed , had to have whole fuel system fixed , was only a year old. Dealer tried to not pay, eventually they fixed and paid for it, but we were without the truck for six months!
We see this situation all too often where the dealer will blame poor fuel quality on the failure and try to force the customer to foot the enormous bill.