Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Best way to prevent pump issues for a 1800 mi trip.

[dward]

I'm picking up an 01 3500 QC 4x4 6 speed from a family member. The truck has 45k mi and is completely stock.
As far as I know it has the stock lift pump.
I plan to drive it from Branson, Mo to So California towing a tractor that weighs 5-7k lbs with the trailer.
I don't want to be in the middle of BFE and have a lift pump or VP44 failure.
I can install a FASS system when I get home but is there anything I can do for the trip?
Would replacing the stock lift pump with a new one better my odds or maybe install a FP gauge.
My understanding on this year is even if the lift pump fails the truck will keep running with the inj pump sucking the fuel but it wears out the pump sooner??
I had an 03 and when the lift pump failed, the truck stopped running protecting the IP.
What shall I do?

 

[JR]

From my experiences the heavier the load the engine is under the worse they will run with no lift pump. Running rough, *bucking and surging to eventually stalling out. At a minimum I would buy a fuel pressure gauge to take with you, install it before you leave, and drive it around locally with a load to determine the health of the lift pump. If fuel pressure is adequate you should be fine for the trip home.*

 

[fox]

Check the fuel pressure. If it is ok 5-8 psi minimum, put in a new filter. Then put an ice bad against the VP and drive it home. Heat kills the VP-44 as often as the low fuel pressure does.

 

[Bob4x4]

The fuel flow IS what cools the pump.70-80% of the fuel is returned to the tank with a healthy lift pump,pump dies and you loose the cooling(and lube)

 

[AH64ID]

The VP needs the lift pump, as others have mentioned, and I am not sure they will really run without it.

The 03 actually didn't need the limp pump and they can run without it and not do damage, thou power will be reduced. Depending on the pump and pump failure it may completely restrict flow thou.


As for the road trip if you have no reason to suspect any faults put in a good diesel fuel lubricity additive and drive. 45K miles in 15 years is pretty low so watch for any oil/fuel leaks to develop on the drive from going from a minimally used vehicle to 1800 miles of towing in a couple days. If the engine oil hasn't been changed recently that would be pretty important to me.

 

[Bob4x4]

once the low pressure side is "opened up" ie fuel filter replacement the vp truck will not restart,they can run on very little flow.The cp3 trucks will allow you to bypass the lift pump and drive for ever

 

[dward]

All fluids have been changed and the truck will make a 500 mi trip towing from Iowa to Missouri before I pick it up so that should get it "warmed up"
On my 03, when the lift pump failed the truck stopped running and that's when I added the FASS system.
So to confirm on the 01 with the VP44, it needs the lift pump to run and a properly operating LP provides enough fuel to supply the demand as well as cool and lubricate the IP?
An IP that is never operated without a good LP is not likely to fail prematurely?
I'm looking at the FASS DRP (Dodge replacement pump) as it looks like a pretty easy swap even with the relocation kit but uses the stock filter with the addition of an inline filter.
Will this be enough filtration or should I wait and go with a full FASS system with the filer and water separator? I plan to keep stock power and am only looking for reliability and longevity.
If I make the trip with the existing pump, what would be the easiest way to add a FP gauge for the trip?
Thanks

 

[Mingoglia]

I'd make/buy a gauge and check it before leaving. If it's anywhere above zero when you accelerate you should be good for the trip. I'd check it once, and not worry about it....then continue with your upgrade once you get home.