Archived can't install sensor as parts sizes have changed - need new injector pump?

[agfckrowe]

HELP! This is for a 1999 Dodge 2500 diesel 24 valve Truck which died hauling horses in SE AR, local diesel shop said computer said it was an injection sensor, so they ordered a sensor and now called to tell me that Little Rock Dodge told them that the parts had all changed sizes and the sensor wouldn't work on our "old original" injector pump and the trucks computer would have to be reprogrammed and that the shop we had it at couldn't reprogram the computer and that the truck would have to be towed 2 hours to a dealer who could do it plus it would have to have a new injector pump put in so that the parts would all match. I have barrel races each weekend and needed the truck, now I don't have it, looks like I won't get it for another week plus I'll have a heck of a towing bill and don't know where to take it in SE or central Arkansas where someone knows what they are doing. I am desperate, please help me, and my hubby so frustrated and mad that he is threatening to sell the truck and get a, heaven forbid, Chevy diesel. Please someone, tell me what and how and where to fix my wonderful Dodge diesel truck ASAP!!!!!

 

[Sticks]

You should still be under the 100k warranty by cummins, and I would think that would also cover the towing. The whole dealer story does not sound right though. I would call cummins to verify what is going on with the sensor, and needing to replace an evidently good VP44 because some sensor is different.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Some one smoking some bad stuff . Call the Zone rep . Or the head of the Dodge customer relations , then tell them the story the one you will tell the local and national news paper Lem-E do it guy . Most Parts must be available for ten years after last run of the model . If a part will not fit a adapter or other part will replace the original and at no cost to the owner . Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY:-{}

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Sounds like a shop tryin to make a buck.

 

[agfckrowe]

Thanks, guys, I don't know much about trucks, but I can raise some heck and know how to get to the newpapers, so

1. How do I find my Cummins rep. ?

2. How do I find my Dodge zone rep. ?

Truck has been towed 70 miles to Pine Bluff dealership, not the Little Rock dealership who said the perfectly good injector needed replacing. Pine Bluff dealership service dept. admitted that we were still inder the 100K warranty.

Why are such good trucks at the mercy of the lousy cheap computers that run them?

Thanks also for letting me know the injector is a VP44, I can now read the forums more intelligently and am on my way to understanding my truck better so I don't get taken for a long ride off a short bridge by the dealers.

 

[Ron Bissett]

who to call?

In your case ,call the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Customer Center ,P. O Box 21-8004 Auburn Hills MI 48321-8004 phone (800)992-197 . Tell them the story and ask for help . Have Dealers name ,vehicle ID number (vin) vehicle delivery date and mileage . Names and position of the people you have dealt with on this situation what was said and save and have ready any bills or work orders ,etc. This is starting from the top . You will get instructions how to get to the Zone rep from them . You could ask the dealer for this information but a word from the top sure helps . Keep us informed on how you make out . LoL Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY

 

[Sticks]

Why are such good trucks at the mercy of the lousy cheap computers that run them? [/QUOTE]



It has actually helped a great deal. Emissions down, Mileage up, and HP & Torque way up. The the engines get built around the new operating parameters.

Originally posted by agfckrowe [/B]

Thanks also for letting me know the injector is a VP44, I can now read the forums more intelligently and am on my way to understanding my truck better so I don't get taken for a long ride off a short bridge by the dealers. [/B]

Never be afraid to ask questions. I am glad that we (The TDR) could help you out. Hang the stea... deal... screw it, the name fits this time, hang the STEALER out to dry!!





* * *



Please refrain from the generic use of the word, "stealer" on the TDR website. Feel free, however, to post specific details about good - as well as bad - experiences with any dealership.



Robin

TDR Admin

 

[agfckrowe]

report from dealer mechanic

Well, so far the dealer mechanic replaced the fuel injector pump, found water in the fuel after driving it and has emptied that and put in a new fuel filter. It's too late to go get it today before closing and he wants to make sure everything is OK before we head over there.

How do we prevent water in the fuel - is there a fuel additive we should use? How can we tell if there's water in the fuel?

 

[rkressg]

Change your filter.

The H2O probably came from where you filled up, though it could have come from elsewhere. If the station was low on fuel, or their tanks were recently filled, they could have sucked the water off the bottom of the tanks. The use of fuel additatives can cause water and other particulates to pass through the filter/water seperator, thus rendering it less effective.



If there is water in the fuel tank, it will be at the bottom. Water is heaiver than diesel, therefore it will sink to the bottom of the tank. Our tanks suck fuel from the top to help in prevention of siphoning out the water, but as you drive, it gets all mixed together anyways.

Just my $0. 02

-Rich

 

[CDegner]

Rich,

This may be s stupid question but how do these trucks take their fuel from the top? I know mine pulls from the bottom but it is a much older truck. It seems like any method of pulling from the top is going to cause erratic fuel supply, expecially if the roads get rough or winding.



Trust me, I'm not trying to be a smart a@%, just really curious.



Carl

 

[Ron Bissett]

Re: report from dealer mechanic

Originally posted by agfckrowe

Well, so far the dealer mechanic replaced the fuel injector pump, found water in the fuel after driving it and has emptied that and put in a new fuel filter. It's too late to go get it today before closing and he wants to make sure everything is OK before we head over there.

How do we prevent water in the fuel - is there a fuel additive we should use? How can we tell if there's water in the fuel?

Buy the Fuel at a truck stop or a high volume station do not fill up if you see a fuel truck pumping the fuel into the tanks wait for the water and crud to settle , about half hour . Two there is a lever on the filter canister its yellow turn the lever after pushing down slightly to unlock turn slowly let some fuel out of canister about half a cup should do . Close valve make sure it locks in place ,Bump starter a few times to remove air from filter and fill canister and lines ,try to start if motor starts may run ruff for a while you may have to hold peddle to floor for a short time to start . May take a while to get motor to start . Suggest a fuel pressure gauge to let you know how lift pump is doing . Do read all the posts here on the fuel pump and starting , how to know if lift pump is going south . LoL Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY

 

[Ron Bissett]

What was the cause ?

Looks like the shop should have found the water in fuel first before changing any parts, . If water was in fuel the first injector pump was most likely in good condition not at fault water will not power the truck . Ridding the tank and lines ,lift pump , injector pump ,lines and injectors , adding new fuel and attempting to start motor . A good shop will do this and only charge for what it has done and a charge for disposing of contaminated fuel and get you on your way. Water can be removed by letting water settle in container for a time then removing ( pumping out with out reaching down to water at bottom of container). Looks like you should talk to the shop head as to what to pay and for what. do read all post on this subject . LOL Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY

 

[agfckrowe]

Got truck back, new pump was replaced under warranty.

Mechanic said fuel tank was full of water and "muddy gunk" he said he swabbed filth out of tank out with old rags.

He didn't test lift pump pressure, I will have it done (or will by gauge and learn to do it ourselves since no lift pump or no fuel pump= no truck.

What about injectors getting gunked up?

Where did this gunk come from?

We had lift pump replaced about a year ago and the fuel tank was drained then so all this gunk built up since then.

We drive alot on dusty gravel roads but how would that get in fuel?

We buy 90percent of our fuel from same place, most everyone in our small town with diesels from farm trucks to big rigs buys diesel there. Station manager says their system has an alarm if there it water or contaminents in system (hah).

Thanks again for help.

K

 

[Ron Bissett]

Well you are on the right track now. As to the dirt/mud etc in tank it could be from loose top or a way out of some one that is not doing there job? . As to a test a fitting that will screw in to the top port on the filter can be purchased at a hard ware store get a1/4 national pipe fitting with other end a barb hose (like a step down to grab inside of hose) cost less than one dollar. Get a two or more foot fuel line rubber will do . Purchase a P. S. I gauge of a range 0- 16 psi or 0-30 machanical will do . use two band clamps to attach the gauge to the hose and the barbed fitting remove one plug from the top of filter screw fitting in to filter No tape or paste on fittings as they are brass and will not let fuel pass threads. start motor and watch gauge thats it. as to post or pre filter depends on plug you replace with fitting . Reading should stay over 10 psi. Idle should be about 12 to 15 psi wide open should be not less than 8 psi . Read other post on what P. S. I you should get. You can get and use a full time fuel gauge set up on the inter net or local supply . But do get some one soon. Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY