Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cracked VP44 Case?!?

[Timbeaux38]

Buddy of mine just called from Atlanta siad his truck is dead and that the VP$$ case is cracked all the way around where it bolts to the motor. He said you can physically turn the pump now... ... . This pump is 4 mos old. Sounds like someone forgot to put some bolts in during the install..... Anyone else ever seen this?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Support bracket at the rear of the pump (below where the injection lines attach) may be missing or misadjusted, putting strain on the pump.

 

[RacinDuallie]

Support bracket at the rear of the pump (below where the injection lines attach) may be missing or misadjusted, putting strain on the pump.

If the support bracket is broken or not bolted properly it can and will help- along with the engine harmonics vibrate those 4 bolts loose and even fall out- but you say he can rotate the pump? What about that little pin- the pump seats onto from behind the gear case? Is that missing too?

 

[Timbeaux38]

He said that the tabs were broken on the pump too- as if they were overtightened too... . I didnt know about the support bracket though... guess dodge gets to pay for a new pump... BTW he said before it finally died that it was spewing both fuel and oil out from around the pump... . I take it that cannot be good... .

 

[RacinDuallie]

I'd inspect that gear case now that your buddy said that! That could be trashed now as well- and a new pump won't fix that- but the trashed case could take out another VP44... ... ... ...

It was spewing cause of the harmonically induced fracture.

 

[Timbeaux38]

Thanks for the imput RD... I'll tell him to make sure the techs at the dealership know what hey are looking for. You may have saved him another trip back.

Thanks again

-Tim

 

[RacinDuallie]

Tim,
Is the Bracket there at all? If it still is- they do crack at the weld- and that causes 'extra' harmonics that can crack them VP44 cases... ... :{

If not then they may have left the bracket on the old VP44..... just an extra thought- I'd still have him take a looksy to see if it's there and if it is- is it cracked? overtightening will crack it in time but harmonics have to play into that problem as well... ... ... ... ... ... .....


and I still am building the new bullet for my truck- as well as another truck for racing only so I wish I could make it and take you up on that beer- but instead of beer- I'll take some milk instead!!! LOL !:-laf But yes we'll meet up at one of the events for sure!!!

Hammer Down!