Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cummins said VP44 is gone. DC says it's OK

[tolmsted]

I'm confused. I had codes 216 and 1693 last month. Took "Big Red" to Cummins they said the lift pump failed flow test and that the VP44 needed to be replaced and that I should take "Big Red" to Dealer as I only had 69,000 miles on OD.



Went to dealer, they did flow test, Failed. Replaced lift pump for FREE.

Dealer also said VP44 was OK and that they didn't care what Cummins had to say about VP44 needing to be replaced and once again "your VP44 is OK. :-{}



Rig is running great, no performance problems even when going up to the contiential divide @10,000' elevation and back.



Who should I trust? I'm now starting to worry that I should be doing something about this. But I don't know what and/or where to go.



What do you guys think I should do?



Thanks for all help

Tom

 

[Jim Ross]

Tom... . I'm with you on this... . I don't know what to think. But, what I am beginning to wonder is this: when the lift pump begins to die or is dead, does the 216 code show up? I have had off and on 216 codes for a couple of years and I know that my factory lift pump is weak or marginal at best, which is why I put in the auxillary pump. When the aux. pump first was installed, I had 19 psi at idle, now I have 17 and I'm thinking the difference may be that the factory lift pump has finally given up and the fuel pressure reading is only what the aux. pump is delivering by itself to the injection pump. My truck continues to run really good, so I just have a hard time believing the injection pump is bad... ... ???? Anybody else have thoughts or knowledge on this?

 

[gonehuntingagain]

Don't worry, they will end up replacing the VP44 soon . Give it couple thousand miles and it will die.

Unless the codes come back (or the pump acts up), I don't think DC will allow the dealer to replace it.

 

[mhenon]

Why did Cummins think the VP was dead? It sounds like it's running fine now... with the new LP. Were they just concerned because of the weak LP??

Mike

 

[Al Dahl]

My lift pump went out at 89'000 on a weekend out of town. I ended up putting $180. 00 pump in my self. no warrenty on pump if they dont install Next day i have surge in idel. I took it to dealer they say nothing wrong. Now i have 110'000 miles and ime looking for a new pump. I started having all the classic problems at about 102. 000 soooooo how about that warrenty

 

[RHerrmann]

I dont trust dealers any more. Maybe find a good diesel shop, I did its 20 mi. from home but I know they did a good job and seemed like they cared about my truck. I have heard all the excuses from the dealer about lp's like pressure dont matter, its your fuel filter, its your performance box. Got my lp changed just in time, 0psi @ light throttle. I would rather pay the extra money to someone who knows what they are doing. Just my thoughts anyway. good luck!!!!!

 

[tolmsted]

Jim,

I only know that I was on vacation w/wife and crossed the northern mtm's at Buffalo, Wym and jumped on I-25 south. Little later we pulled off Hwy and the engine had a high idle @1200rpm's and thats the first time I ever saw the codes. I turned engine off and restarted and the high idle reset to normal speed, 850-900rpm's.



Tom

 

[tolmsted]

Mike,

Cummins did not say why. Stupid me! I didn't ask enough questions.

Cummins did say they would be happy to install a new LP & VP44

Just please sign here Oo. and give us your VISA card to pay Oo. Oo.

NO THANKS!!! I'm going to DC. BYE!



Tom

 

[Jim Ross]

Well, yesterday afternoon when I started the truck... . no more check engine light. It had stayed on for about 6-8 starts and maybe after that many, it goes out automatically? I'm going to my local private shop in the morning and get the code read again... ... if it says 216 again(pretty sure it will), then I'm going to Dodge and start the documentation process. I took it to Dodge one time before for the 216 code, but that was at least 2 yrs and 40,000 miles ago..... should still be in their computer records... I hope.