Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Moisture or VP44 problem???

[Crash&Burn]

I had been driving on the interstate for about 40 miles in the rain, then the rain got heavy, then a "gully washer"... ... the truck started to slow, I added more throttle... . slower, I downshifted... . slower... the engine died.

I sat on the shoulder trying to call a tow truck, 5 minutes later the engine restarted and I made it to a exit... I was sure I had the deadpetal VP44 problem, and tried to pull up a code, the check engine light had NOT came on.

I drove the back roads home (in lite rain) and made it. Had to use the Gasser to make trip...

Question: is there a code if the engine light has never came on?

Just got back in town and looking for a direction to go... . thanks

 

[DFerverda]

Yes,there could be. Get a scanner and check it. Autozone will do it free, but i don't think they will clear them anymore.
You will probably see a p1693 which is a companion code. I have been getting that one for the last month with nothing else, except a dead peddle every so often.
I would check for codes and start looking where you may want to buy a vp from, that is what i have been doing. Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? You need to check to make sure your lp didn't go weak or die, if your pressure is good see above.
Dirk

 

[Crash&Burn]

Yes,there could be. Get a scanner and check it. Autozone will do it free, but i don't think they will clear them anymore.

You will probably see a p1693 which is a companion code. I have been getting that one for the last month with nothing else, except a dead peddle every so often.

I would check for codes and start looking where you may want to buy a vp from, that is what i have been doing. Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? You need to check to make sure your lp didn't go weak or die, if your pressure is good see above.

Dirk

I have the Fass 95 system and my pressures are good (15idle, 13wot)... Will get codes checked this weekend. What is a companion code?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

P0216 is the primary and most often VP-44 failure code, though there are a few others in the same 0200 number range related to more specific fuel system points of failure. Let us know what you find.

 

[DFerverda]

I have the Fass 95 system and my pressures are good (15idle, 13wot)... Will get codes checked this weekend. What is a companion code?

A companion code is one set to let you know a more serious code is also set, like the one Gary mentioned.

 

[jlhartak]

A 99 truck? yep the VP44 is dead. My truck only has 53000 and the dead pedal hard starting was noticed, a DDRP was put on immediately but too late!! ANYONE out there who has a 98-99 Cummins had better check your lift pump, or better yet just replace it with the DDRP or similar and a fuel pressure gauge! So now I am looking for the best deal and best rebuild on a VP44, anyone have a good/bad experience with rebuild vendors?

 

[monkeyman]

I am not sure if this applies to your year, but without throwing a code my truck after starting would stumble after 1500 RPM's, then clear out. Got worse until it had no power.
Turned out to be speed sensor. On automatics it is on rear of overdrive housing. Not sure if sticks have it at all. $13. 00 at Autozone.
Rick

 

[Joe Mc]

anyone have a good/bad experience with rebuild vendors?

Went with an SO from Thoroughbred Diesel $1025, stealth cover $65 + next day air $95 all totaled at $1,185. 00, no core, 1 year warrantee. Excellent folks to work with know their product well.



Pump

Bosch VP44 Dodge Injection Pump :: VP 44 Diesel Fuel Injection Pump



Stealth cover if needed.

BD Stealth Cover for the VP44 Injector Pump



Also read this thread - ton of infohttps://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/24-valve-engine-transmission-1998-5-2002/210804-what-s-happened-epidemic-vp-44-issues.html



Yes you can do this yourself w/simple hand tools and a borrowed puller from Auto Zone, but as mentioned in above thread get some 2 1/2" bolts from Home Depot or the like as the 4" bolts with the puller are too long. And make sure the bolts thread into the gear fully or you could screw yourself if you strip out the threads on the gear.



Also, install instructions: VP44 Dodge Pump Installation Instructions



Let us know if you need help or run into anything when / if you have to replace.

 

[Crash&Burn]

UPDATE... ... ... .

Had the truck scanned... ... ... NO codes.

Have driven almost 300 miles (in dry weather) since this happened with no problems, so for now I'm going with the moisture thing, since this happened in a REAL Toad Strangler. I have read where some of the electical pins tend to corrode over time and this truck is almost 10 years old.

Will start during some searches!

 

[jlhartak]

Crash&Burn,

Absent any other symptoms you may be right about the electrical contacts, the main harness going into the ECM is pretty low on the side of the engine and could pick up some splash, I would check all the connections for corrosion and put some dielectric grease on each one. Yeah, my truck was built in April 99!



Joe Mc,

Thanks for the info, Thoroughbred Diesel is on my short list of vendors

 

[Allnew2Me]

Is it possible that your air filter is dirty and got wet and clogged?

 

[Crash&Burn]

Is it possible that your air filter is dirty and got wet and clogged?

No... . that's the first thing I checked when I got it restarted and off the freeway. thanks

 

[Crash&Burn]

Update... ... .....

Now over 500 miles, hasn't happened again. Still no CEL or codes...

Is there one brand of dielectric grease better than the others?