Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) DC Dealer Installed Lift Pump Mod.

[MJardine]

The dreaded lift pump failure leading to VP44 failure has led me to this website and forum. I absorbed a lot of info in a day or two. Hear is the situation, my 2002 Ram 2500 4x2 Cummins HO has just had the big$ failure at 98000km. Fortunately it is still under warranty, no cost to me. The VP44 replacement was straight forward although there is some issues to correct. Now the LP replacement was completed as follows and I cannot find any reference to this method on the forum. I would like to get members opinions. The engine mounted pump has been replaced by an in tank mounted pump (which I am led to believe is the same pump as the later model Rams). There is a complete factory appearing wire harness and additional fuel pump relay that is plugged into the existing harness and to the new tank mount pump. A block with fuel line fittings replaces the old pump on the side of the engine block to allow the existing fuel lines to be reconnected and routed similar to original. This all came packaged in a kit from Chrysler complete with not bad instructions. According to the dealer this has been around for about six months and they have installed one previously. Other than a minor fuel leak at the tank which they will remedy everything looks good and factory in appearance. Has anyone had any experience with this factory mod? What does everyone think? Is this actually correcting a design deficiency or just moving the problem into a tank full of diesel?



Mr. Mike.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I know there has been a lot of discussion about the in tank pump. Most don't think it is a good idea mostly because it is a whole lot more labor to replace if it fails. I personally think at this point it is to early to tell if the in tank is better than the external pump. For sure the external tank mount needs to be removed from the engine and relocated back by the tank(making it a pusher pump). In fact I just did this using Vulcan relocation kit with larger 1/2" lines from tank, tranfer pump, fuel filter, VP44. Keep us posted on how the in tank pumps works out for you.

 

[nps]

Another concern of many owners with the intank pump and a fuel pressure gauge is the low fuel pressure put out by the intank pump. In some cases, 0psi at WOT. A remedy is to put a stock old style LP back into the stock location. Remove the block, attach the pump and lines, plug in and go.



With the intank pump pushing, and the stock pump being fed by the intank pump, it should be a reliable system. Others have had good luck with the stock LP and a pusher pump externally mounted by the tank (myself included).



There have been no reports of the intank pump failing that I am aware of.

 

[jjordan1]

I also had the lift pump replaced w\ the in tank set up. That was w\69000 miles. Now @ 76000 the in tank pump went out. Thats a total of TWO lift pumps,TWO in tank pumps,ONE VP44. I`m really worried when i drive as to when the VP44 will go out again. I ask the dealer if they would replace the VP when the in tank went out for the second time but he said it tested OK. Still a LOT of problems as for as im concerned. NOT sure if i want another Dodge.

 

[jeepit]

I have the intank conversion and to date no problems. I am interested in installing a stock pump back in stock position along with my intank setup. Just not sure about electrical hookup and if fuel lines with intank pump are all the same size that they will attach back on the stock pump. Anyone know???

 

[CORed]

My dad had the in-tank pump installed on his 2001. 5 a few months ago and the pressure was pathetic. Something like 6lbs at idle.



Anyway, I convinced him to add a pusher pump in front of it to boost the pressure. So he added a Carter P4600 pump on the frame rail that takes the fuel from the in-tank pump and bumps up the pressure on it's way to the FF. He is now reading 15lbs at idle and it drops to 10-11 at WOT. He setit up to run thru it's own relay actuated off the same wires that were running back to the new in-tank pump.



Of note, while installing it, he did run the Carter by itself withOUT the in-tank pump running (disconnected wires) and the Carter was able to pull fuel thru the in-tank pump even with it disconnected.



He basically routed new 3/8" hose completely from the outlet on top of the tank to the new Carter pusher and from there to the FF. A 3/8" hose clamps perfectly on the outlet of the tank and with a few fittings for the Carter and at the FF, he is good to go.



Steve

 

[Bob Cochran]

OOPS forgot about the low or 0 fuel pressure with the in tank pump. What one does not remember the other does its what make TDR great. Thanks NPS for the catch.

 

[EGaskamp]

I just had a buddy that had the VP replaced under warranty and they relocated the stock lift pump on the frame. Similar to how the Vulcan kit does. That was something new to me that I didn't know Dodge was doing. Has anyone else had this done by Dodge?

 

[clem]

I too had a lift pump go out 4th one and the dealer replaced it with the in tank pump. I have a 8 psi all the time. They told me thats the way the new one works. Pressure stays the same the amount of fuel verys. Was not a cheap fix,but when one is on the road one does what has to be done.

 

[RonnieGilman]

Im have to replace my LP and Dodge told me they are putting them on the frame in front of the tank

 

[KWheaton]

One local dealer here in MI said they would replace my VP44 under warranty and automatically put the lift/pusher pump mod. in the tank, that was 3/12/06. I called another dealer, got a TDR member mechanic on the phone, he said he wouldn't put a pump in the tank, if my lift pump (on the motor) was working well. He says the expected failure rate of the pump in the tank was expected to be the same as the old lift pump, just more work to replace. He is personally recommending the aftermarket pump on the frame rail, easy to change, low failure rate. Needless to say, that mechanic is changing the VP44 tomorrow. Good luck, Kevin

 

[KWheaton]

I'm sure someone else posted this before. Last year I had my vacuum pump seals replaced at the Cummins shop in Saginaw (it was an emergency). I was told that Dodge wanted a complete engine from Cummins to install in their trucks (including fuel pump), thats why Cummins put the lift pump on the back of the engine (as close to the fuel tank as they could put it. Just for your information. Kevin