Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 4 VP44's in 40,000 miles/ 1 year

[GWedekind]

Just wanted to see if anyone has had this many VP pumps go out in this short of timeframe.



Here is the mileage breakdown on my situation ( all this in one calendar year ):



130K 1st VP44 replacement ( April 2005 )



138K could have been air pocket caused no start, changed VP under warranty to be safe



152K VP44 module failed, missing stalling spitting then dead ( Nov 2005 )



170K ( yesterday , May 2006) looks like another module failed, missing spitting stalling now dead. Let it cool down and it will run til it gets up to temp then misses stalls spits again.



I run veggie 1/2 of the time ( unheated ) in a remote tank mixed with 20-25% diesel. Most of the time Im driving 2-3 hours straight , twice a day 3-4 days a week. Lots of stop and go between those long trips ( travelling salesman )



For the last 6 months I have had 10-15psi fuel pressure on my veggie set up and 14-18 psi on the diesel tank. So LP or supply issues are not a factor.



I did notice my truck loping at idle while only on veggie and it got worse the last few weeks. It went away if I switched back to diesel. Maybe the loping is an indication of stresses from pumping thicker fuel and has something to do pump failures??



Well it looks like time to pay attention to the heat issue and install a fuel cooler and duct some cool air to the VP.



Anyone else go through this many VPs and if so where did you get your pumps? Mine came from a local rebuilder... not cummins or dodge. Maybe that has something do do with it. Could the modules come from a cheap aftermarket manufacturer in china/japan instead of Bosch????

 

[Jetpilot]

I would bet its the veggie fuel... . The VP is not rated for this fuel by any of the suppliers of the biodiesel/veggie manufactors I have come across.



Doug

 

[Hohn]

Veggie is too thick to run unheated. Of course, if you heat it, then the VPs fries from lack of cooling.

75% veggie is way too high. Try 10%.

I'd also recommend you find a new VP installer

 

[Todd T]

Hey Hohn, I suck at art, does that mean I won't be very fortuitous in life?

 

[RonA]

These threads make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. (p-pump converted) But I am sorry to hear you are having trouble.

 

[Graphic man]

160,000 miles, org. VP still going strong, but i got a new one just in case.

 

[GWedekind]

Getting a new VP tomorrow from a different shop... . Southeast Power in Tampa. They have a Bosch factory reman for $1425 or their own in house rebuilt for $1295. Either one they said they will flag the core and have it dissasembled and call me with the result of why it pooped on me.



I still think its the module on top of the pump. The truck runs and drives til it gets warm and then farts, spits and stalls. Same exact scenario as the last pump... . which was tested before it was warranteed and they said it was the module.



By the way... i did replace the overflow valve just to see if that made a difference and it didnt.

 

[ILIANBG]

The VP-44 is not supposed to see veggie oil. It is not made for that type of fuel. I've talked to few Bosch rebuilders, and all of them said no.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

I agree it is, probably just too thick. Even greasel says don't do it.