The Bosch CP4 diesel injection pump is a critical component in trucks like the Ford Power Stroke, GM Duramax, and RAM Cummins. 

That said it does have it's issues. Pump failure is common and can send metal debris through your whole fuel system making it a flaming dumpster fire and a very expensive paper weight.

To ensure its longevity and prevent costly repairs, steps should be take to ensure a clean and fresh fuel source to your injection pump.

Follow these useful maintenance tips:

• Use High-Quality Fuel
  • Always fuel up with clean, high-quality diesel from reputable stations. STAY AWAY from "Renewable" fuels such as Propel, anything that says "Bio-Mass" and fuels that are more than 20% biofuel. Consider using additives to enhance lubricity and prevent water contamination, especially in colder weather.
  • Some options are 
    • XDP Diesel Power Plus Fuel Additive
    • Justice Brothers Diesel Fuel Anti-gel
    • Justice Brothers Diesel Fuel Supplement
• Maintain Clean Fuel Systems
  • Replace the fuel filter every 10,000–15,000 miles and ensure your truck’s water separator is working correctly. This is actually really important especially with the crap fuel we have in the USA.
  • USE GOOD FILTERS! Do not buy filters from Amazon. They are cheap China knockoffs. Don't believe us, google it. Use OEM or a good name brand.
  • Regularly draining water can help prevent damage to the CP4 pump. Water in fuel = Bad.
• Ensure Proper Lubrication
  • Diesel naturally lubricates the CP4 pump, but not all fuels are created equal.  Additives may be necessary to improve lubricity, especially with winterized or low-sulfur fuels.
• Regular Maintenance & Inspections
  • Check for fuel leaks and monitor fuel pressure regularly. A drop in pressure can signal potential issues that can be detrimental to the pump. Also, inspect the injectors to prevent undue stress on the pump. That light on your dash is not decoration. Fix your truck. Preventive maintenance and small repairs save you money in the long run.
• Avoid Running Low on Fuel
  • Never let your fuel tank get too low, as this can draw air into the system, damaging the pump. Air in the fuel causes cavitation and damage in the fuel system. Incorrect Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) and inaccurate injections can lead to low power, poor performance and expensive repairs.
  • Keep your tank above a quarter full whenever possible. This is the old wise tail that was actually right. 
• Consider a Lift Pump
  • For high-performance trucks, some owners opt for a lift pump to support additional fuel flow and volume and reduce strain on the system. FASS, Airdog, Fleece, and Driven Diesel are all good options. However, it’s important to note that Bosch does not specifically require a lift pump for the longevity of the CP4 pump. While a lift pump can be beneficial in certain preventative and high-demand scenarios, its installation should be done by a professional to ensure proper installation and operation.
• Be Cautious of WIF Delete Kits and Other Modifications
  • Customers and technicians should be aware of WIF (Water-In-Fuel) delete kits and other modifications, such as EGR or DPF deletes, fuel filter bypass kits, and fuel pressure regulator changes. These mods can bypass critical factory fail-safes, introduce contaminants, or increase strain on the fuel system, potentially damaging the injection pump. Be careful witch what you do. 
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines 
  • Stick to recommended service intervals and stay alert for recalls or updates that may improve pump performance.

• FORD OWNERS! Ditch the CP4 and Replace it with a DCR Pump From S&S Diesel
  • The DCR pump is the fix for a CP4 pump. S&S in cooperation with Stanadyne built a pump that is a direct replacement for the Ford 6.7L Powerstroke. Here is the product page and you're welcome. Buy once, cry once. S&S Diesel DCR Conversion Pump
• GM Owners! Go back to the CP3 Pump. 
  • Several aftermarket manufacturers build similar kits. Most of them are similar with some that have high performance pump options. Here are your options for CP3 Conversions. 
    • S&S Diesel LML CP3 Conversion - CA Legal
    • Industrial Injection 50 State Legal CP3 Conversion
    • BD Diesel CP3 Conversion - CA Legal
    • Fleece Performance CP3 Conversion - 50 State
• What if my Pump ALREADY Blew Up?
  • If you are in the positions of a pump that already failed. We're sorry. That sucks. But we can help. Here is our contamination kits that include everything you need to replace the fuel system. Also options for kits with CP3 and DCR conversions. All good stuff. No China crap. OEM or Bosch components and aftermarket conversions listed above.
    • Featured Items - Pump and Fuel Systems

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can extend the lifespan of your Bosch CP4 pump and avoid costly repairs. Keep your truck running smoothly by prioritizing quality fuel and routine system checks!