Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Blue Chip FMS not doing what it used to

[Herebytheowl]

I have been running a Blue Chip FMS for a couple of years now.

Neat product, but it is not doing what it used to do.



2001 ETH stock except for FMS



On Drag Race mode 63% fueling, it would smoke enough to obliterate 3 lanes. Max egt ever was 1352, max boost 39. 6 psi (yes I know that this is out of the efficiency range for my stock HX35). Now, it is fueling, but not to the same level. I can still feel the difference when I turn it off, but the egt has not hit 1200 in months, and boost is maxing out at 28. 7(waste gate bypassed), and no smoke. The VP44 rate has increased at WOT, but not by much (up to 24 instead of 21 max). The FMS indicates that it is fueling, but the observable result is that I am not getting as much fuel to the cylinders.



At Chip's recommendation, I have checked (and replaced) connectors. Everything is hooked up, and working, just not like before. The drag race mode now feels less than the street mode used to, and no, it is not that I have just gotten used to all that power.



Fuel filter has been replaced, no change.

No boost leaks, I am baffled.



Anyone have any ideas?

 

[BillGotthelf]

What do you mean by "the VP44 rate has increased". I had a replacement vp44 that ran great fr 3 weeks and then boom much less power. The vp44 was tested and it was within specs. Put in another and the old power was back.

 

[Beast2B]

Besides fuel filter, how about fuel pressure getting to the VP? Maybe the lift pump is going away. I haven't seen it myself, but I have read a couple posts about the fuel tank pickup getting clogged at the inlet inside the tank...

Maybe one of the turbo-knowledgeable members will chime in wether it could be the turbo going south... or at least some symptoms of a failing turbo.

 

[JJ Jackson]

I've got the same problem. I upgraded my injectors and added a FASS a couple weeks ago. Immediately had hard starts because supposedly my VP was old and didn't like the high pressure. I didn't believe that my VP could be pushed over the edge just by installing a product that was meant to save it. My EGT's, boost and power are slowly dropping off. I probably wouldn't have noticed it, but I've been keeping a steady eye on my gauges lately to see if the FASS was giving me any more power like it stated. Well it didn't, so I removed it, but the EGT's and power never came back, which leads me to believe that my VP is really on its last leg now. I'm gonna replace it before it leaves me on the side of the road for the Powerjokes to laugh at ..... Herebytheowl, I checked everything, and changed my fuel filter also, great minds think alike. My VP made it 170k miles so I guess I can't be too upset. I just hope I can expect the same from the new one... Good luck, Jim

 

[Beast2B]

Either of you guys have an authorized Bosch shop near? I wonder if any diagnostics could be performed to 'see' what the problem is...

 

[SSabick]

What the heck, looking for a new one anyway Sounds like a good reason for one of those hot rod vp's.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

What do you mean by "the VP44 rate has increased".

It's a readout on the display of the FMS.



Well first off how IS your fuel pressure doing?? Seccondly how is your FMS tapped to the VP? I use a cover with mine and have seen other covers along with mine loose their connection over time. Mainly my concern is your incoming Fuel pressure. And howz that air filter?

 

[Herebytheowl]

Thanks for the inputs... Air filter is fine, I would expect that if I had insufficient air I would have more smoke. As for the fuel pressure I can not say for sure as I do not have a gauge at present. The FMS is capable of giving a low fuel pressure warning, and I have seen it a few times over the years.



Looks like it is definitely time for a fuel pressure gauge. Then a FASS or similar product. If it becomes necessary, who makes the "hotrod VP44", and what are the differences?

 

[rivercat]

Im sure Industrial Injection makes a "hot rod" vp pump among others