Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 75K Mile - VP44 and Lift Pump - Dead..

[LFalconer]

All, I have the 02 in sig completely stock, have fuel pressure gauge, noticed that the fuel pressure dropped at idle from 14 to 5, with low tank, drove 20 mile home, filled tank, back to 14. Also noted a bit of dead pedal - truck is under Added care warrenty - into dealer. Diag = VP44 and lift pump. They installed new of both, + a retrofit harness kit. Not sure what this is????



Good news it cost me a 100 bucks deductable -





now fuel pressure is 10 steady at idle [versus fluctuations of 1 psi with old setup] full WOT is 4 to 5 psi.



Anyone aware of what the retrofit harness kit is?



Thanks, Luke

 

[jkalchik]

I'll bet you've got an in-tank lift pump now.

 

[mhenon]

Sounds like the intank pump, wiring & relay. I'm pretty sure that's the only repair the dealers will do if the VP44 dies. If you look where the LP use to be you'll see a plate in it's place. This is sort of a mainifold so the OEM fuel lines can be used.

You might want to keep your eye on the pressure gauge. 10psi is good for the intank pump (mine rarely got over 7psi) but don't let your tank run close to empty. From my experience the intank pump will start to suck air at around 1/8 tank and then your pressure really fluctuates.

Mike

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Luke,

Glad you were able to get warranty on the VP and lift pump, hate it that they installed an in tank pump though. Mike is right, watch the fuel pressure closely, if typical it will start diving toward 5 psi pretty quickly when under load. I highly recommend an AirDog when you new lift pump goes bad. My AirDog has 310,000 miles on it with zero issues and 19 psi all the time. PM me for dealer contact.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[LFalconer]

Trent, Mike, Jkalchik, Thanks for the replies.



You are correct, an in tank pump. I looked and saw the plate where the lift pump used to be, and can see where the tank had been dropped due to crossmember bolts being shiny.



I will keep my eye on the pressure, any info on whether this is a better long term solution than the engine mounted lift pump? Long term for me is 2 years 8 months till warrenty is up.



Thanks again, Luke

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

To me the in tank lift pump is a shorter term solution than the original engine mounted pump because it produces less psi from the get go. You stated that WOT psi is already 4 - 5 which is where I recommend replacing the lift pump. If I were you I would get an AirDog NOW and not risk doing damage to the new VP. Since you got the VP under warranty you would be getting off really good to get a VP and AirDog for the money spent. You will need to remove the in tank lift pump and install a draw straw before installing any replacement pump.

PM me for AirDog dealer contact.

Godspeed,
Trent