Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What's happened to the epidemic of VP-44 issues?

[Joe Mc]

Randy,

That's a bummer. If you think the problem you are having is related to the stealth cover then take it off and put the stock one back on. I guess you can pierce the wire before the plug to the pump.

It just doesn't make sense why you're having these problems. Call the folks you got the cover from, or if you have already what have they said?

 

[Rattler]

Hey Joe, i called BD today and was told that they had sold thousands of the covers and had never had a problem. Then the guy that i was talking to told me to look under the wire to see if i was going all the way thru and out the other side. I then had to explain to him how the cover worked, and that you were piercing a rubber chunk that contains the wires and he just said oh. I reset the cover screw one more time today. I ran the screw a quarter more turn in to try for better contact and actually lost current, so i backed it off a half turn and am going to try that. If this doesn't work i will just go ahead and tap the wire like it has been for the last two and a half years. Randy

 

[Joe Mc]

Randy - sorry you're having so much trouble with this cover. Knock on wood it worked for me - so far

 

[whathill]

Boy I don't know if i should post! Don't wanta jinx myself! I've got 231k on my 01 ho/6spd/4;10's and as God as my witness, I still have the original pump on the truck! All I've ever done, is do what a old neighbor I had said to do. He was a retired heavy duty mech and he told me to use Stanadyne additive every tank full, and just change out the lift pump every 50k and you'll be fine. I did and still do what he said, except I have the pump on the rail now. Checked the pressure at 75k and it was fine, and she still running fine! Other than a JK&N and a full 4" exhaust, she's stock. I also have old reliable, 92 3500 dually. Now she's not a stump puller, but 24mpg's is hard to beat! I think that old girl will out last ME! Then there's the Kodiak with a Cat! I'm gonna stop with that subject!!!!!!!!!





Nice talkin with ya!

 

[jesnic]

Dennis, it is great to hear that someone has that kind of life out of a vp44. But I just could not keep driving my 02 without having some power. I believe when you add some timing to the pump and increase the pump rate it works out of its operating parameters and limits the life. As for us that can't live without power, we just bite the bullet and deal with the down side of our decisions. Is the power worth it, a big HELL YEAH!

 

[Rattler]

I am pretty sure that the pump part of my VP was still in working order, it was the electric part that took a dump. With electronics there is no finite lifespan. Randy

 

[Joe Mc]

Based on how mine failed - driving along fine and then "lights out + the code "P1688 (M) Internal Fuel Injection Pump Controller Failure Internal problem within the fuel injection pump. Low power, engine derated, or engine stops" I'd say mine was same as Randy's = electronic failure.

 

[me4osu]

Mine did the exact same thing. Went dead a couple of times a few weeks apart, but was able to leave in gear and roll start. Then, it went dead for good. 1688 at 397,504 mi.



Just got my re-man from Midwest today.

 

[whathill]

Well. I knew it! Was coming back from a trip and got the smell of raw diesel in the cab. Pulled over and the line between the lift pump and injector pump cracked! Luckily where I stopped there was a place called The hose man. Went in there and told him the problem. He came over, took a look, and said he had a high pressure hose that will get me home. I said OK, put it on the truck and went on my way. He was right, it never leaked! Just got in and will go to Cummins tomorrow and get the right one. The trip home was over 500 mis. and the hose never leaked! It is a braided line, maybe I'll leave it on?

 

[SnoKing]

Depending on what he used, it may flow better than the stock line. The Fuel Filter is between the lift pump and injector pump which side of the FF was the leak? If you are going to replace it just call Vulcan and do it right putting the LP down on the frame rail. SNOKING

 

[DFerverda]

Well add me to the list, MWFI just sent me an email my pump is on the ups truck heading my way... ... ... ... ... . Hope mine doesn't quit before i get the new one here and in. :-laf

 

[Joe Mc]

Well add me to the list, MWFI just sent me an email my pump is on the ups truck heading my way... ... ... ... ... . Hope mine doesn't quit before i get the new one here and in. :-laf

Are you OK doing the install, have instructions and such? If you need any info I can share w/you let me know. There's a ton of info here as well. Have fun.

 

[DFerverda]

Are you OK doing the install, have instructions and such? If you need any info I can share w/you let me know. There's a ton of info here as well. Have fun.

Naw, I'm good. Just got the new pump, will wait till friday to do install, got some appointments and of course the truck seems fine since i ordered the pump. I also ordered a cam sensor, it should be here tomorow , and i think i will pick up a new gasket for the air horn.

Thanks. Dirk

 

[Rattler]

What happened this spring to **** off the VP spirits? Seems like there has been a sudden rash of dieing VP's. Randy

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

What happened this spring to **** off the VP spirits? Seems like there has been a sudden rash of dieing VP's. Randy

WELL, not really - just a few, and LOTS of related posts as to symptoms and eventual replacements - NOTHING like the sheer volume of just a year or so back - the real test will probably be as the weather warms up more - and the even GREATER test, will be to see how many of the later and substantially revised/improved rebuilt VP-44's are seen to fail - or not...



Since *I* have one of the later "upgraded" rebuilts, I'm hoping these later replacements live up to their expected potential...

 

[DFerverda]

Well got a problem. The truck started acting up so moved up the vp R&R.
The problem is getting the gear to pop off. I am using a T puller, shorter bolts and i am afraid to tighten it anymore. I can wiggle the pump but looking in with a mirror, it doesn't look like the shaft has moved any.
Are the gear mesh straight or at an angle? The last one i helped with came off no problem. I have it tight to the point of bending the bolts going through the T puller. Do i put a cheater bar and just go or am i missing something.
Dirk

 

[DFerverda]

Well that was exciting, put a 6 inch pipe on the wrench and went at it. It finally popped... ..... the bolt broke off in the gear, after a half hour of cussin and tore up fingers, i got the broken end of the bolt out/ without dropping it down the case. Whewwwwwwwwwwww

I guess the next step is to corner the snap on guy and get the sp504 pump press.
Man is that sucker on there. When the bolt broke i thought my brother in law was going to have a heart attack.
Been a long night, think i will hit the hay and get after it in the morning.

 

[SnoKing]

I made my own puller out of a piece of angle iron and two high grade bolts. Tighten it up good and tapped it with a hammer. SNOKING

 

[Joe Mc]

Well that was exciting, put a 6 inch pipe on the wrench and went at it. It finally popped... ..... the bolt broke off in the gear, after a half hour of cussin and tore up fingers, i got the broken end of the bolt out/ without dropping it down the case. Whewwwwwwwwwwww

WOW, Glad you got it. Sorry I missed the PM last night and already replied a few minutes ago then saw your reply. Good job getting that broken bolt without dropping it.



Hope the remained of the job goes much smoother for you. A tip, since you have all the lines from the pump to injectors off you may wish to give them a blast thru with some air or carb cleaner before re-installing them. You never know what may have snuck in one of the lines . . . cheap insurance. Oh, lube up the threads before installation to help them thread on and not bind up due to being dry - as always WD-40 or the like is good enough.



Let us know how you make out.

 

[DFerverda]

Joe, i Pm'd you back, the bolt broke, the gear is still stuck, any more suggestions?
Dirk