Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Blowing Blue smoke and won't get over 25mph

[Fyrmen]

Help! Blowing Blue smoke and won't get over 25mph?

It started surging and then started blowing blue smoke, top speed is 25-30 I limped it home. Any ideas? Changed the fuel filter and it runs better but still have some surging at 2200 rpms.

 

[bbuton]

I had a 2001 that had the same symptoms. Ended up being fuel pumps; both the lift pump and the injector pump had to be replaced.

 

[rkressg]

Check the engine for codes (ignition switch on-off-on-off-on and do not start).



If you have a p0216, p1688, or p1689, than get ready for a new fuel pump.



Get a fuel pressure reading (with a mechanical gauge).

-Rich

 

[Fyrmen]

Would I need to get a code reader for this? Sorry for the ignorance on this.

 

[rkressg]

Check the engine for codes (ignition switch on-off-on-off-on and do not start).

This is how you check for codes

 

[Fyrmen]

I have turned the key 3 times fast leaving key on and only the mileage shows up. So... no codes??? Starts right up when cold. any other suggestions? Could it possibly be a fuel govenor?

 

[Jetpilot]

What year truck do you have? Do you have any mods? Have you checked for boost leaks?



Doug

 

[WShupe]

Sounds like a truck I worked on before. Check to see if the exhaust manifold is cracked or missing bolts. Also check all the clamps on intercooler piping, you might have one loose. Good luck.

 

[Fyrmen]

Well. . I broke down and took it in. Turns out it was the transfer pump. I didn't drive it at all except to the mechanic's garage. He said that probobly save the lift pump. It's running like a champ. Thanks for all the input!

 

[csutton7]

transfer and lift pump are the same--the mechanic probably meant you saved the VP44 high pressure pump----this is for your info only--I'm not being smart just lettin you know what he most likely meant--even if he said it wrong---chris

 

[SScandalis]

Is there any experience out there in the TDR group whether having driven 150-200 miles since the Check Engine light came on is likely to have damaged irrecoverably the high pressure Injector Pump or not?



Dealer is saying about $2,000 for the Injector Pump and probably $200-$400 for labor. Transfer Pump is in the range of $450 parts + labor (I'd guess $100-$200 more). Worst case seems to be that both would need to be replaced - $3,000+



I'm about to find out tomorrow at a CA Dodge dealer whether a Tranfer Pump and/or fuel filter issue has lead to a more serious/costly Injector Pump failure (Check Engine code says "Injector Pump Timing Failure", I don't know the numeric code.



The miles have been normal easy, unloaded, miles for 3 days on 1998 2500 QuadCab. Only need to drive about 10 more to get home tonight and to the dealer in the morning.



Thanks

 

[trqmnstr]

You can buy a lift pump for around $140 and an injection pump for around $1000. You should be able to get them both replaced with labor for about $1500. I'd stay away from the dealer if you can find an alternative. Look in the phone book for a diesel repair shop. They should be able to help you out. Good luck.

 

[csutton7]

where do you live--chris

 

[SScandalis]

Chris,



I'm in Sunnyvale. I'm also looking for a reasonably priced shop that specializes in Dodge trucks and Cummins as an alternative to Dodge dealers.

 

[Cory]

I had the same problems that you had with my truck. Only I ended up replacing both the LP and the VP44 myself. If you want to save yourself $1500 its pretty straight forward on replacing both the pumps. All you need for the VP44 is a little round gear puller for the timing gear. Thats the only special tool that you will need. After that, its just nuts and bolts.

 

[SScandalis]

Thanks for your feedback . Where have you and others purchased your Transfer Pump and Injector Pump parts for 1998 Cummins 24-Valve 5. 9 L?



So far locally I've struck out except at Dodge dealers' parts departments.

 

[PKleine]

Try Cummins West in San Leandro: 14775 Wicks Blvd; phone 800. 595. 5050. You will save a few more bucks if you join their "Power Boosters" club.



I'm not affiliated with Cummins West, nor am I endorsing them. Their parts prices seemed significantly lower than the local Dodge dealer.



Hope this helps...



PK

 

[csutton7]

Cummins West in San Leandro is a place to go to for stock parts if that's what you want--but call my buddy Adam Winslett (Winspeed) 925-360-6711 tell him I referred you--he has a shop, although it's in Martinez, he does good work, is a good guy and can get the stuff you need also---I'll call a buddy of mine in San Jose also(Blair Pine) and see who he would recommend down that way---an another note check out our club at www.ramrunners.org---chris

 

[SScandalis]

Good to hear that it's a pretty straight forward replacement that can be done yourself.



About how long did it take you to change each part?

I'm hearing about 7 hours from one dealer for IP and about 2 hours for TP.



Where have you and others purchased your parts? Phone/Web contacts?

So far I'm not having any luck locally except with Dodge dealers parts departments.

 

[SScandalis]

Thanks for providing the Cummins West lead. I've talked to them and their prices are better than the local Dodge Dealers. About $300 less for the Injector pump and almost $200 less for the Transfer Pump. Joining their Booster Club can also save 10% on parts and service.